virgin trains voyager service
mid-morning

traveller "...

The train is packed to capacity... [At] Wolverhampton every seat was taken, vestibules were crowded. Luggage blocking most areas (in particular, the space for a wheel chair user is used for luggage). Most people seem to be on holiday, taking a large suitcase or duffle bag. Far too big to go overhead. Where do they expect to put these? [notebook: 14 April 2004]

[In the toilet, there is] water all over the floor and toilet paper, apparently to try and mop up. Problem is, it seems, when the sink water jet is activated and the train lurches... the water jet runs on to the sides of the basin not in it, and flows onto the floor... [notebook: April 2004 2pm continuing service to Reading]

Currently running 14 mins late... Train manager has just announced that we are stuck at Crewe due to a technical fault with a toilet... I have a connection to make at Wolverhampton... I wander down to the end of the train to find the train manager... He tells me to change at Birmingham New Street. I wait, no more news... I call the timetable to get the connections at Birmingham... Frustratingly, of course, the National Rail Enquiries does not have live timetabling, so they have no idea which trains are delayed, and what connections might be viable... No one seems to know what is happening, the only way to find out... is call someone and ask them to consult the Live Departure Boards on the Web. [notebook: 13 March 2004 11am]

how will you make this journey?

• do you have luggage travelling with you?
• will you sit and wait?
• will you use a PDA or laptop?
• will you read?
• do smells distract you?
• do sounds distract you?
• will you eat or drink something?
• will you sleep or doze?
• do you notice the train staff?
• will you use or hold your mobile phone?
• will you plan your arrival?
• will you converse with others?
• do you have a seat reservation?
• will you use a table?
• will you listen to some music?
• will you look out of the window?

your journey ends at Birmingham New Street.
on arrival ... some final remarks.