Train companies need a massive kick up the arse
Here's the situation as it stands today:

1/ You buy your train ticket for the day/week/month/year

2/ The train company puts on a service it thinks is acceptable but it doesn't matter if it cocks it up because their customers have to put up with it knowing the alternative is more costly/ less convenient.

3/ The train company raises its prices at the end of the year but doesn't have to demonstrate an improvement in its service

4/ Everyone apart from the train company gets massively pissed off

Here's what should happen:

1/ The customer purchases an 'intent to travel' ticket for the day/week/month/year which registers when and where they want to travel. The customer has an oyster-style card which logs them in and out as they pass through the station.

2/ If the train company delivers according to the registered details the ticket cost is deducted from their account.

3/ For weekly, Monthly and Annual tickets, the train company is allowed to cock-up the service a set number of times without penalty (because accidents happen). Any disruption beyond these times and the journey is free.

4/ If the train company doesn't have to offer any free journeys throughout the year, they are allowed to raise prices.

Simples :-)
(BinDipper, Tue 27 Sep 2011, 12:00, 5 replies)

Point Should 3
is massively flawed. You don't give people a 'set number of cock ups' in their budget. Any people. Ever. You set the number at zero, and deal with it when they go over, otherwise they'll rapidly use up their allocation (because it's 'safe' to do so), then go over by the same amount that they'd have gone over a limit of zero, except maybe a little bit more because they feel they're allowed to cock up.
(Falstaff's Spiritual Successor, Tue 27 Sep 2011, 12:06, closed)

Eh?

I was being lenient because there are obviously times when disruption has absolutely nothing to do with human error. For example someone throwing themselves on the line, or a fire at a station.

A bit harsh to expect them to not charge for the ticket in those situations.
(BinDipper, Tue 27 Sep 2011, 12:15, closed)

Nah... too complex
If I had my way, each and every time a rail company brings in an increase on the price of a ticket, the chief executive of said company would be summoned to the nearest station whereupon a nominated commuter is allowed to deliver a kick in the cobblers for every 0.1% increase.

You'd feel like you were getting your money's worth then.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Tue 27 Sep 2011, 12:06, closed)

Train companies need a massive kick cock up the arse

Train prices should be capped so they don't exceed the cost to hire a car, fuel it and then drive the same journey. Otherwise where's the incentive to get the train anywhere?

Also, get rid of push button locks on toilets. What the hell is wrong with a bolt? It's cheaper, you can see it's locked and we won't have to witness people mid strain being exposed to the entire carriage.
( Draconacticus Reject shampoo. Demand real poo!, Tue 27 Sep 2011, 12:27, closed)

Actually toilets should be banned on trains.

If you need to go, get off, especially for number two's. Nothing worst than the smell of freshly laid cable wafting down the carriage.
(BinDipper, Tue 27 Sep 2011, 12:32, closed)