tue 07/05/2024

Dispatches: Train Journeys from Hell, Channel 4/ Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, Sky 1 | reviews, news & interviews

Dispatches: Train Journeys from Hell, Channel 4/ Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, Sky 1

Dispatches: Train Journeys from Hell, Channel 4/ Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, Sky 1

Stations of the cross: actor Richard Wilson feels rail rage in commuter purgatory

Railing against the railways: Richard Wilson confronts the horrors of not travelling First Class

It would take the cunning of the insane to invent the British railway network. Privatised 18 years ago, it offers the worst of all worlds - persistent overcrowding and cancellations, outdated rolling stock and fares rising vertiginously as services grow steadily more uncomfortable, while the taxpayer still has to stump up billions to keep this wheezing Heath Robinson nightmare functioning at all.

It would take the cunning of the insane to invent the British railway network. Privatised 18 years ago, it offers the worst of all worlds - persistent overcrowding and cancellations, outdated rolling stock and fares rising vertiginously as services grow steadily more uncomfortable, while the taxpayer still has to stump up billions to keep this wheezing Heath Robinson nightmare functioning at all.

Wilson's enthusiasm was dampened when the first train to London was more packed than a wardrobe crammed with sumo wrestlers

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You may wish to contact me, |I have a specimen of the fines imposed by Slough Mags Crt when First Great Western prosecute passengers for non payment of fares in their area - ie £350 fine for a £2.50 fare, instead of the penalty fare

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