For those that know me, you’ll know that public transport is not anywhere near the top of my pile of favourite things. Having grown up in SA where there is no public transport, I can appreciate the fact that something is better than nothing, right? Well in the UK, I am used to public transport being expensive, unreliable, and being forced into the close proximity of the annoying and smelly for relatively long periods of time.
I am currently on the way from Kings Cross to Newcastle for Thinking Digital, and I wasn’t exactly overjoyed at the prospect of 3 hours on a train, except that it was probably better than 5 hours in a car, or 2 hours delayed at an airport. However, National Express has left me pleasantly surprised…
- the train left on time
- it’s been quiet all the way
- it was very economical (£11 for a standard advance ticket which is cheaper than Ascot to Waterloo)
- I have a power socket (standard seat)
- They offer free wifi
The free WiFi impressed me the most. If I had paid for 2 hours of wifi in an airport lounge, I would have spent more than the cost of my whole ticket.
I wish all public transport in the UK was like this. I’ve had a very relaxing and productive trip.
Rob Gray™
