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[shinra-bansho]

Lol at the train thing.

The Thick of It season 5.

Someone should dress up as a porkchop and follow him around.

 

[Hazzuh]

Hmm, starting to think there is a reason that real politicians don't try to sell people that "straight talking, honest politics" stuff now..

 

[WhateverItTakes]

#traingate is fantastic. I mean there is a British problem that we avoid sitting next to eachother wherever we can, to the point of taking the floor. Maybe the solution is wider trains with booths so we never interact with others.

 

[Nicktendo86]

Love it. Strait talking, honest politics.

Fakes a packed train.

 

[travisbickle]

Glad to see everyone is happy with the East Coast line and Virgin sorted it out, it's been notorious since I was young for being overcrowded and shitty.

 

[nicjac]

For him to try to pull that stunt off in a Virgin train just shows that he has no idea what the real problem is. What about filming in a Southern or Thamelink train and see how shitty the situation actually is for commuters, myself included? My train has not be in time once in the past 2 weeks. It is very frequent for them to cut the number of carriages, even though it is overcrowded every single day. My favourite is their most common reason given for cancellations: "There was no train crew available".

 

[gofreak]

Train-gate is absolutely hilarious.

Not a good look for Corbyn though. Winding up and complaining about services where no complaint is necessary...you're kind of throwing the ordinary people working in those businesses under the bus.

(As a train commuter enduring an unreliable service, I can totally sympathise with complaints about actually crappy services. Contriving a situation so that you can complain is not good though.)

 

[Kuros]

For him to try to pull that stunt off in a Virgin train just shows that he has no idea what the real problem is. What about filming in a Southern or Thamelink train and see how shitty the situation actually is for commuters, myself included? My train has not be in time once in the past 2 weeks. It is very frequent for them to cut the number of carriages, even though it is overcrowded every single day. My favourite is their most common reason given for cancellations: "There was no train crew available".

Indeed it would have been a piece of piss to organise this stunt on a crowded train.

Another strike for Seamus.

 

[kmag]

For him to try to pull that stunt off in a Virgin train just shows that he has no idea what the real problem is. What about filming in a Southern or Thamelink train and see how shitty the situation actually is for commuters, myself included? My train has not be in time once in the past 2 weeks. It is very frequent for them to cut the number of carriages, even though it is overcrowded every single day. My favourite is their most common reason given for cancellations: "There was no train crew available".

To be fair, earlier this year I went for the early train from Kings Cross to Edinburgh (I was booked on a later train but had finished the job a could of hours early) and basically had to sit on the floor like Corbyn claimed he had to do the entire journey. Although in mitigation it was a Friday afternoon, England were playing Scotland at Murrayfield on the Saturday and the West Coast line was half shut due to the viaduct failure.

 

[Jezbollah]

For him to try to pull that stunt off in a Virgin train just shows that he has no idea what the real problem is. What about filming in a Southern or Thamelink train and see how shitty the situation actually is for commuters, myself included? My train has not be in time once in the past 2 weeks. It is very frequent for them to cut the number of carriages, even though it is overcrowded every single day. My favourite is their most common reason given for cancellations: "There was no train crew available".

Indeed. Part of me thinks that he chose the wrong service to do this on - Southern or Southwestern would have been perfect - but the fact it's Branson himself calling him out on this just adds to the farce.

As Gofreak just mentioned, he also does have a point - the saga of commuters in this country (all over the country, not just in the South East) is one that I think must be kept high up in terms of exposure (especially given the recent inflation based price hike disclosure.

The fact this has happened, and who has outed him with actual CCTV footage is just another picardfacepalm.jpg moment. Anything that ends up verging on a shambolic stunt when originating as an attempted, serious, political point just makes anyone seeing this just roll their eyes at Corbyn and his team again.

Not a great look. However to be fair, I never knew that if a reserved seat wasnt taken at the station that it was due to be, it could be used by anyone, is something i never knew. My old job had me travelling the entire country by train (and on all Virgin trains) - the actual booking system and technologies shoud be made better to free up seats like this if it happens and make it evident that they can be used.

 

[Deleted member 231381]

Indeed it would have been a piece of piss to organise this stunt on a crowded train.

Another strike for Seamus.

Pretty much. Train overcapacity incidents are recorded, just find a line that experiences them frequently, and find some reason to be using it often. Sooner or later you'll get your chance to make this point.

 

[QuicheFontaine]

The worst is when you have a reservation, but for some reason they say nah those don't count now.

I've had this happen twice. First time they said that due to a delay they didn't have time to put out those little cardboard things, so hey reservations are now void. Another time there was a cancelled train prior to mine, meaning the train basically had two loads of people on it. Again, reservations went up in a puff of smoke!

 

[JonathanEx]

I like there's now disputes about the CCTV and reports the train was busy and people were standing in the isles, so this is now becoming even more of a mess. How delightfully funny.

 

[CyclopsRock]

The worst is when you have a reservation, but for some reason they say nah those don't count now.

I've had this happen twice. First time they said that due to a delay they didn't have time to put out those little cardboard things, so hey reservations are now void. Another time there was a cancelled train prior to mine, meaning the train basically had two loads of people on it. Again, reservations went up in a puff of smoke!

Sometimes when my train is super busy - either cause of previous trains being cancelled, or it being lopped off onto a 4-carriage rather than 8, they "declassify first class" which, as someone with a standard ticket, is great. But if I were actually a first class ticket holder, I'd be utterly fuming. That's exactly when I'd want it enforced. I mean, it's not like Virgin where you actually, like, get something for first class. The seats are barely even bigger, and they're equally covered in piss. Literally the only difference is that you're far more likely to actually get a seat. So if they just said "Well, it's busy, fuck it", I'd be cross. Very cross.

 

[JonathanEx]

With declassifying, if you got a partial refund as a first class customer, great. You didn't pay extra for what someone else got for no extra, and more people get to sit.

But hey that'd be nice, and we know that's not what trains are about.

SAYING THIS, I quite like travelling by train, and hate busses. I don't know why. I strongly dislike them and avoid using wherever possible.

 

[QuicheFontaine]

Sometimes when my train is super busy - either cause of previous trains being cancelled, or it being lopped off onto a 4-carriage rather than 8, they "declassify first class" which, as someone with a standard ticket, is great. But if I were actually a first class ticket holder, I'd be utterly fuming. That's exactly when I'd want it enforced. I mean, it's not like Virgin where you actually, like, get something for first class. The seats are barely even bigger, and they're equally covered in piss. Literally the only difference is that you're far more likely to actually get a seat. So if they just said "Well, it's busy, fuck it", I'd be cross. Very cross.

I have had this happen to me, back when I still had my Young Persons Railcard and would pretty much always go first class. It always resulted in a bunch of <cough> well, you know, non-first class types, moving up and going "Woooow!" and taking a bunch of selfies.

I was complaining about this recently at a (clearly very middle class) party, and someone mentioned that you can actually get a refund when this occurs. I was then doubly outraged, as I never knew this and never got a refund!

With declassifying, if you got a partial refund as a first class customer, great. You didn't pay extra for what someone else got for no extra, and more people get to sit.

But hey that'd be nice, and we know that's not what trains are about.

SAYING THIS, I quite like travelling by train, and hate busses. I don't know why. I strongly dislike them and avoid using wherever possible.

As I said, I think you can get a refund. But I've never done it myself.

And trains are great. An ipad with some episodes of Rumpole and one of those mini bottles of wine and I'm happy as larry.

 

[travisbickle]

Locking people out of empty carriages on heavily overcrowded trains because you paid £82.50 for a ticket. Ha, ha, ha, it's like you actually think the train company endangering the safety of other passengers is worth what you paid.

 

[QuicheFontaine]

Locking people out of empty carriages on heavily overcrowded trains because you paid £82.50 for a ticket. Ha, ha, ha, it's like you actually think the train company endangering the safety of other passengers is worth what you paid.

It's a damn sight more than that these days!

One of these would work imo:

 

[CyclopsRock]

And trains are great. An ipad with some episodes of Rumpole and one of those mini bottles of wine and I'm happy as larry.

?????

Locking people out of empty carriages on heavily overcrowded trains because you paid £82.50 for a ticket. Ha, ha, ha, it's like you actually think the train company endangering the safety of other passengers is worth what you paid.

Well that's basically what money's for, ain't it? If it doesn't get you nicer things, what's the point? Endangering safety? Piss off.

 

[Nicktendo86]

Ought to have filmed it at 8am or 5pm on the central line. Now THAT is overcrowding.

 

[Izuna]

Corbyn is suuuuuch a moron. I keep saying this and it doesn't become any less true. What an embarrassment for Labour.

 

[Graphics Horse]

I've only ever seen teenagers sitting on the floor occasionally, is that a common thing people do? Normally either too crowded with standing people to sit on the floor or empty enough to get a seat.

 

[CyclopsRock]

I've only ever seen teenagers sitting on the floor occasionally, is that a common thing people do? Normally either too crowded to sit on the floor or empty enough to get a seat.

I think it only really happens when you have the cruel combination of:

a) no seats available
b) enough floor space to actually sit, ie not too busy as you say, and
c) a long journey.

With Corbs, it probably helps that he also has

d) no sense of decorum and thus willing to get his trousers dirty before a husting, the filthy scamp.

 

[ExtremePopcorn]

Glad to see everyone is happy with the East Coast line and Virgin sorted it out, it's been notorious since I was young for being overcrowded and shitty.

It's still overcrowded and a bit shitty but it really depends on which train you get. The 17:30 from Kings Cross on a Friday is so rammed that you can't even sit on the floor, it's standing only.

 

[Par Score]

So it's now clear that the #traingate train was packed, that people were stuck standing between carriages, that Corbyn couldn't find a seat when he recorded the video, and that only after the fact did enough people get off that Corbyn could get a seat (which he promptly gave up to another gentleman who was still looking for one).

It's more media bullshit smears against a thoroughly decent man, this time aided and abetted by Virgin Trains, who of course are facing an existential threat if Corbyn was ever to get elected. I mean come on you lot, are you so blinkered by your dislike of Corbyn that you just take Virgin fucking Trains at their word?

This wasn't a stunt, this wasn't a fuck-up, this was a genuine example of a real problem. No shit Virgin Trains are going to try to cover their arses. And no shit the media are going to jump on another anti-Corbyn bandwagon. My god.

 

[Nicktendo86]

Also read his claim that he sat on the floor rather than buy a first class ticket to save taxpayer money is nonsense as parliamentary rules prohibit him from doing so, in fact he couldn't claim the journey at all as it was for a labour party event.

This just gets funnier and funnier.

Lol par score, that link is the filmmaker who claimed seats only became available as people got off, despite the timetable showing there wasn't a stop u til York, some time before he actually sat down.

But no, ITS A CONSPIRACY!!!

 

[TimmmV]

Locking people out of empty carriages on heavily overcrowded trains because you paid £82.50 for a ticket. Ha, ha, ha, it's like you actually think the train company endangering the safety of other passengers is worth what you paid.

I'm with this guy. In this instance First class passengers should be entitled to a full refund and given their reserved seat, but they shouldn't be locking out seats when the rest of the train is packed full

Well that's basically what money's for, ain't it? If it doesn't get you nicer things, what's the point? Endangering safety? Piss off.

Except in this instance "get you nicer things" means "deny other people access to things", which is a shitty attitude to take if the rest of the train is packed full and there is still room in first class


Going back to the main topic, FFS Corbyn, be less useless pls

 

[Lagamorph]

 

[CyclopsRock]

Except in this instance "get you nicer things" means "deny other people access to things", which is a shitty attitude to take if the rest of the train is packed full and there is still room in first class

This would be the case if there were some sort of First-Class-Ticket-Holders-Get-Priority system, but it never is (and, practically, can't be). As such, "denying other people access to things", whilst shitty, is somewhat necessary if you, yourself, want to get it, given the finite nature of, like, physical space.

 

[JonathanEx]

So the Team Corbyn line is now that the seats became free after a family upgraded to first class, and then a member of staff showed them to seats:
https://twitter.com/sophyridgesky/status/768117611670409216

Doesn't explain the 11:10 picture as posted below, but hey. Let's also see if that 'family upgraded' thing gets factchecked, and see if Virgin left any details out.

Either way this is super entertaining now

Also he probably should have just taken those seats near the food car.

You're:
a) near the foodbar
b) close enough to first to steal their wifi usually

 

[Nicktendo86]

On another note though, let's assume Corbyn's story is right (which it isn't) but was he and nobody else in his team capable of booking a seat in advance? It was to a planned hustings, are his team so inept they can't arrange a seat on a train?

 

[tomtom94]

The irony is this will suck yet more media attention away from Smith.

 

[Lagamorph]

So the Team Corbyn line is now that the seats became free after a family upgraded to first class, and then a member of staff showed them to seats:
https://twitter.com/sophyridgesky/status/768117611670409216


Doesn't explain the 11:10 picture as posted below, but hey. Let's also see if that 'family upgraded' thing gets factchecked, and see if Virgin left any details out.

Either way this is super entertaining now

Also he probably should have just taken those seats near the food car.

You're:
a) near the foodbar
b) close enough to first to steal their wifi usually

I mean.....there are literally photographs that show him walking past empty, unreserved seats.

 

[Protome]

It's amazing how uneventful this whole leadership thing has been that this is the nonsense getting all the attention.

 

[QuicheFontaine]

So the Team Corbyn line is now that the seats became free after a family upgraded to first class, and then a member of staff showed them to seats:
https://twitter.com/sophyridgesky/status/768117611670409216


Doesn't explain the 11:10 picture as posted below, but hey. Let's also see if that 'family upgraded' thing gets factchecked, and see if Virgin left any details out.

Either way this is super entertaining now

Also he probably should have just taken those seats near the food car.

You're:
a) near the foodbar
b) close enough to first to steal their wifi usually

Hmm, maybe some sort of lead screen is in order...

 

[tomtom94]

It's amazing how uneventful this whole leadership thing has been that this is the nonsense getting all the attention.

You are familiar with the British media, yes?

 

[JonathanEx]

Hmm, maybe some sort of lead screen is in order...

I'm all for first when it's not too expensive, and work pay for it. The missus on the other hand hates the idea you have to pay extra to have what's either not much better or should just be the basic level of service.

I told her it includes free tea (on my usual line), which I thought would sway it, but even the amount she drinks doesn't make up the cost.

Either way, I'm a terrible person for going in first or something.

 

[Deleted member 231381]

In the modern era train wifi should just be a free provision. I mean, I end up using 4G even when less reliable just because I can't be assed to go through the faff of whipping out my credit card to pay CrossCountry £2.20 or whatever for a pass that only lasts an hour. If that's your best effort, just don't bother.

 

[tomtom94]

In the modern era train wifi should just be a free provision. I mean, I end up using 4G even when less reliable just because I can't be assed to go through the faff of whipping out my credit card to pay CrossCountry £2.20 or whatever for a pass that only lasts an hour. If that's your best effort, just don't bother.

Considering even the stingy Norfolk buses have wi-fi now the train companies have no excuse, really.

 

[JonathanEx]

In the modern era train wifi should just be a free provision. I mean, I end up using 4G even when less reliable just because I can't be assed to go through the faff of whipping out my credit card to pay CrossCountry £2.20 or whatever for a pass that only lasts an hour. If that's your best effort, just don't bother.

100%. And it's not even worth paying for with the quality, it just doesn't drop out at all in tunnels.

I also like to steal the paid WiFi in Travelodge. 30 mins free? Bah, just reset my mac address on my laptop, sorted.

Welcome to Jon's Consumer Corner.

--

Corbyn update: https://twitter.com/stuartmillar159/status/768122738003304448
stuartmillar159: So the Guardian now has a Corbyn source saying he ignored empty seats because he wanted two together https://t.co/awToqw6SjX

 

[War Peaceman]

Many of the buses I take have free wifi, no excuse for trains not to do so.

 

[IdreamofHIME]

Locking people out of empty carriages on heavily overcrowded trains because you paid £82.50 for a ticket. Ha, ha, ha, it's like you actually think the train company endangering the safety of other passengers is worth what you paid.

Are you for or against bedroom tax?

 

[Deleted member 231381]

100%. And it's not even worth paying for with the quality, it just doesn't drop out at all in tunnels.

I also like to steal the paid WiFi in Travelodge. 30 mins free? Bah, just reset my mac address on my laptop, sorted.

Welcome to Jon's Consumer Corner.

--

Corbyn update: https://twitter.com/stuartmillar159/status/768122738003304448
stuartmillar159: So the Guardian now has a Corbyn source saying he ignored empty seats because he wanted two together https://t.co/awToqw6SjX

This is why you go PremierInn and not Travelodge (unless your company isn't paying, but then I question why you have voluntarily gone to either).

 

[Nicktendo86]

Brilliant, so we have three versions of the story now. Went from "the train was packed so I had to sit on the floor for the entire three hours" to "oh when I got on the only free seats were reserved so I sat down for theast 2/3 of the journey after people got off" to now "yeah there were free seats, but I wanted a pair of seats so I could sit next to my wife" which we know is still a fib as the images show pairs of free seats.

What a train wreck, and all of his own making.

 

[Kathian]

He's just like any other politician with the added bonus of being useless. He's not anything special, he's not even a fanatic or principled - he's just a bit dim.

 

[Kuros]

So it's now clear that the #traingate train was packed, that people were stuck standing between carriages, that Corbyn couldn't find a seat when he recorded the video, and that only after the fact did enough people get off that Corbyn could get a seat (which he promptly gave up to another gentleman who was still looking for one).

It's more media bullshit smears against a thoroughly decent man, this time aided and abetted by Virgin Trains, who of course are facing an existential threat if Corbyn was ever to get elected. I mean come on you lot, are you so blinkered by your dislike of Corbyn that you just take Virgin fucking Trains at their word?

This wasn't a stunt, this wasn't a fuck-up, this was a genuine example of a real problem. No shit Virgin Trains are going to try to cover their arses. And no shit the media are going to jump on another anti-Corbyn bandwagon. My god.

There is literally a photo of him walking past unreserved seats at 11:10 2 posts at below yours.

 

[Kathian]

His team can spin but this was a setup photo op and he chose a less than busy train to do it. What a tit.

Just get on one wait for the mobile photo someone will take then make a comment about it.

Shows how weak his position is when this is actually a major issue.

 

[Billy_Pilgrim]

There is literally a photo of him walking past unreserved seats at 11:10 2 posts at below yours.

Not a cult

 

[Jezbollah]

Considering even the stingy Norfolk buses have wi-fi now the train companies have no excuse, really.

Hang on.... There's wifi in Norfolk?

 

[Deleted member 231381]

Hang on.... There's wifi in Norfolk?

There are many things in Norfolk, not all of which are suitable for conversation.