Topic ID 202
It looks like I'll be working in central London in the near future after a 2 year break. How is the Hertford North to Moorgate service these days?
Reply ID 1028
slow and expensive!!
Reply ID 1029
Nothing changed in the last 18 years then.
Reply ID 1030
Strangely enough I have to report that I think this year has been a whole lot better than last year - at least for my particular times. Hardly any cancelled at all. Only thing is that this probably means that I will get no discount off my season ticket when I renew it - "expensive" is right. On the down side - the trains have not been miraculously cleaned or air-conditioned and you still can't really see out of the scrathced windows. It still feels like a bit of a bit of a trundle down to London and there are great gaps in the connections with Kings Cross at Finsbury Park. However I see Ticket Inspectors daily now so this must be where all the money goes. Finally - take no notice of the "problems and delays" info on WAGN's website - it bears no relation to what is actually happening out there! I wonder how many of you I sit next to daily without realising?? Edited by - newgirl on 28 May 2004 12:02:12
Reply ID 1053
I agree Newgirl, why does the train slow down before Gordon Hill and at the end of the loop - customer service - get the driver to keep the passengers (customers if you prefer)informed. I find I'm happier to know why I will miss a connection (if you can call trains coming over the Welwyn viaduct a connection in the time-table). I know they're hot and crowded but at least we get a seat! I love catching the 7.55 just to see if it will ever (again) meet a connection to KX (as it used to).
Reply ID 1057
The end of the loop slow-down/stop will be because it's joining the mainline and will either have to wait for a train to pass, or for one that's just passed and needs to clear the Wood Green section of track. It also has to run slowly because of the sharpness of the bend and the number of points it must cross. Used to travel from Ally Pally so saw this happening. As for Gordon Hill, not sure but some trains start from there and there could be trains crossing the line. We sometimes have to wait at the junction outside St. Evanage and get the helpful message that we're waiting for a signal - which is a bit pointless. I know we're waiting for the "fast" and "semi-fast" trains from KX to clear St. Evenage's platforms as I used to regularly get those two trains. The "fast" train is held up by the "semi-fast" which is running late because the train split at WGC always takes longer than timetabled. Or at least used to. Anyway, my train left early this morning and I missed it. It would be nice if the platform blokey checked to see if anyone was coming up the stairs before telling the driver to go.
Reply ID 1090
Well, for the last two days the bloke on the platform has checked the stairs. While it will have nothing to do with me, I'd like to thank WAGN for that minor improvement - should mean I get to work on time (slightly) more often. Of course, they still don't do it in the evenings at St. Evenage, when missing the train means an hour wait...but then the trains shouldn't be as infrequent as that, anyway.
Reply ID 1092
Hi Skanky - I was just reading your postings and it got me wondering which route you use. I wondered if you did what I have often debated - ie. travel up to Stevenage and then take the fast trains down to Kings Cross. Do you? Does anyone do this?
Reply ID 1093
No, I work in St. Evenage. There is a fast KX train that leaves just after we get in, but you'd miss it if the train's a little late, but otherwise it'd work. Price could be an issue, but a weekly flexitime to Stevenage is £15.
Reply ID 1094
Thanks Skanky -I'll carry on my investigations...
Reply ID 1095
Oh and after 18:30 the trains are hourly, rather than half hourly.
Reply ID 1188
I agree with the "Slow and Expensive". Looks like National Express have spent Wagn's budget on gaining the Anglia Franchsie - all the nice trains - refurbished stations etc. The hertford loop looks like they have been along with some sticky backed plastic and covered up the old Network Southeast Logos (you can tell because the station names are still faded and the plastic is peeling off) Edited by - jez_p on 10 Jul 2004 14:12:07 Edited by - jez_p on 10 Jul 2004 14:13:05 Edited by - jez_p on 10 Jul 2004 14:13:19