The Anonymous Widower

The Sunday Lunchtime Test

I was talking to a friend yesterday about my troubles on getting back from Derby after the football on Tuesday and he happened to say that it’s very difficult to get to some places in the UK from London by train for lunch on a Sunday. In some ways this isn’t something that is fair, as engineering works sometimes take place, but surely things like this should be possible most of the year.

Out of curiosity I decided to check some routes.

• Cardiff – Three trains before 13:00 – Two direct and one almost
• Liverpool Lime Street – Two trains before 13:00 – Both direct
• Manchester Piccadilly – Three trains before 13:00 – All direct
• Newcastle – Two trains before 13:00 – Both direct
• Norwich – Two trains before 13:00 – Both direct
• Plymouth – One train before 13:00 – Direct
• Swansea – One train before 13:00 – Direct

I have checked the next three Sundays and found that in some cases trains weren’t running due to engineering works, especially on the Norwich route.

Incidentally, I was surprised that Plymouth and Swansea are possible.  Especially as the High Speed Trains are nearly forty years old.  But they are still very comfortable, have windows aligned to the seats and are very fast. Incidentally, I checked and found that on the 12th of February you can get to Plymouth for £14.20 in Standard and £28.70 in First.

But if it’s granny’s birthday and you’re booking a few weeks in advance, it seems that the system is pretty predictable.

January 28, 2011 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Trains