The state of rail transportation in the UK - a mini-report

I'd thought I'd stick to the "travel" theme a bit more and look back at this weekend in terms of rail travel.

Yes. Rail. Don't worry - I won't do too much of this. Well maybe a bit more.

This weekend, I went to visit the parentals - and also to do a model shoot. Here are a few observations from the weekend:

• Bar one train - everything was on time (and that train was late by a minute) in terms of departure times and booked arrival times.
• Loads were... variable. On the long distance services (Birmingham - London, London Birmingham) it was pretty much grab a seat if you can,
• Medium Distance (London Outer Commuter Zone - think Essex, Deep south South East area) Evening loads were the usual mixed bag. Sunday Morning loads were big (as it turned out there was an Arsenal match going on with Rangers)
• London commuter services - the usual weekend emptiness with a fair smattering of passenger
• London Underground was its usual unreliable self, and at 17:30 on Sunday evening, packed to the gallows.
  

Now, not a lot of actually say apart from this little moan (and I haven't had a good whine for a good few days) is the sheer cost of this little adventure.

Here's a few sample costs

• London to Potters Bar return - £8 (just outside the Zone 6 boundary)
• London to Chelmsford £17 (30 minute ride)
• Birmingham to London - £42 (Virgin), £32 (Chilterns)

Can anyone spell con and rip off? Good.....