train staff

traveller"...

The trolley [passes] with two men in tow, red uniforms pushing against obstinate wheels. Like a shopping trolley it seems to wobble the wrong way, crashing and banging into seats as it is (literally) man-handled down the carriage... Two men, fore and aft, serving... The two men are bright, professional and cheerful. They get distracted chatting to each other. [notebook: Virgin Trains London Euston service 10 March 2004 2pm]

A man in a black bomber-jacket arrives, walking down the train, collecting rubbish. His jacket, a corporate uniform, reads: I.L. Group working in partnership with Virgin Trains. [notebook: Virgin Trains London Euston service 10 March 2004 2pm]

Interestingly, there has been no rubbish collection at all this journey [possibly due to over-crowding]. So the seats, bins and elasticated pockets are jammed with food, cans, newspapers etc. (particularly as it is now... lunch time). [notebook: Virgin Trains voyager to Birmingham New Street 14 April 2004]

Announcer is very clear in his long speech: reminds of the non-smoking regulation and that ignoring it is a "criminal offence". Also reminds passengers in the Quiet Coach to switch off their phones and "not to use any item which might otherwise cause a nuisance to fellow passengers". [notebook: Virgin Trains pendolino service to London Euston 11am]

system "...

"Or relax in your seat as our trolley service makes its way to you on services to and from London Euston." [extract: 'Travelling with Virgin Trains' leaflet collected Lancaster 25 March 2003]

"our onboard cleaning teams now collect newspapers and magazines for recycling on several trains..." [extract: Virgin Trains hotline magazine colleceted July 2004]

ethnographic guide

Onboard staff create punctuation moments in the journey, moments where they intercede to establish a temporal structure. The at-seat trolley service, rubbish collection and announcements are all cyclical. They measure out the journey in the repeating of the arrival time and destination, the addition and removal of litter from the table, the filling and emptying of coffee cups. Such staff-led journeys create a shared experience for travellers.