I have been instantly castigated for my negativity about privatisation by someone who, as it happens, used to work in HM Treasury (but not the person who first lectured me on its virtues).
He points out that numbers using the train service have boomed and that the faults may lie in Wales where the service has been renationalised.
Maybe I am viewing it through rose-tinted spectacles, but it happens that I am currently waiting for a train due at 6.19, now expected at 8.10, a mere two hours delay, not for the first time on a ten-day holiday.
| Charles | Saumarez | Smith | 
what a farcical explanation. I’m guessing it’s much more likely to be the dreadful, private Avanti West Coast
Yes, it was a through train run by Avanti, stopped at Llandudno Junction, never made it to Bangor. Charles
Your alarming accounts of the beliefs of Treasury economists explain a lot about the failure and muddle of public services. Economists’ theories won’t solve problems that need inspirational leadership and professional management. And perhaps supportive civil servants rather than pseudo-scientific doctrinal nonsense. (Until now I hadn’t realised quite how despairing I am about economists messing up the world.)
Dear Charles,
As a fellow resident of Ynys Môn & London I am a regular user of the AWC Bangor/Euston trains and agree that the service has become more unreliable over the years, not least the high number of cancellations due to staff shortages.
I was travelling on the train you were meeting and in addition to ‘door failures’ the reservation system wasn’t working either (not uncommon).
I feel sorry for the Train Managers who have to deal with all these issues constantly but remain calm and courteous in the face of frustrated passengers.
I thoroughly enjoy your varied posts & excellent photographs.
Paul.
Dear Paul, Thank you for such a nice comment. You must have funds of patience to go back and forth on that line ! Charles