Travelling by train in the UK is always an experience. Especially when compared to travelling with Deutsche Bahn. In the UK, different companies operate with regional focus. So far, I have used connections between the following cities several times.
- London – Cardiff
- London – Bristol
- London – Bournemouth
- London – Birmingham
- Bristol – Taunton
- Manchester – York
Numerous voices are complaining about British rail traffic. I can’t really understand that. Overall, my personal experiences in the UK are better than my experiences with Deutsche Bahn. Whether it is a coincidence or not, I cannot say.
What always fascinates me is that at major train stations, access to the platforms is already controlled by ticket barriers. To get on the platform, you have to scan your ticket. If the ticket is not valid for the displayed train or if you are too early, the door remains closed. Similar to British airports, the platform of an incoming connection is only displayed shortly before it arrives at dead-end stations. On my first train ride from Paddington to Bristol, this confused me quite a bit.
However, the British are not only accustomed to patience; they simply join a queue in the direction of the platform and train. This is something we in Germany lack entirely. We love chaos.
What are equally positive experiences when travelling by train in the UK are the clear, distinct and understandable announcements on the platform and on the train. It’s not just the announcements but also the signage and labelling. Inclusion and accessibility are not just lukewarm words here, as they are at DB. As someone who has needed more time since this year, I feel safe and secure in the UK, both in large and small train stations.
But I don’t want this to just turn into a bunch of adulation. There are also smaller stations in the UK that need renovation and where staff are not present at all times. That said, I was pleasantly surprised at Alexandra Palace station in September. After the The The concert, many concertgoers used the train to get home. When I wanted to get to the platform, there were several employees at the station to guide people to the right platform. And they did it with maximum calmness.
Travelling by train in the UK is much more fun than in Germany. Cutting corners on staff as we do in Germany is simply wrong.
What confused me for a while from a technical point of view when travelling by train in the UK was that the electrically powered trains do not necessarily rely on an overhead line. Instead, an overhead conductor rail is used, similar to the underground. You live and learn.
At some point, I must travel through Scotland on the Royal Scotsman.
Travel safe.
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