Isn't it ironic...

...sang Alanis Morisette a few years ago.

The same thought went through my head as our complimentary journeys both to and from Cornwall on FGW were delayed. The irony was that the complimentary first class tickets were given to me by way of compensation for some severely delayed journeys.

Both our outbound and return journeys were delayed due to volume of passengers, and I have to confess I've never seen such a packed first class section on a train before. At least the scenery on the Cornish Eiviera Express is stunning, I'd recommend the journey to anyone, especially the stretch between Exeter and Saltash.

I will give credit where it's due to the platform operative at Liskeard, where we returned from as she marshalled the passengers superbly to ensure boarding was swift. Sadly that didn't happen elsewhere, hence the delays, exacerbated towards the end of the journey when the patience of my 2 boys finally ran out...the last 10 minutes of the journey and the time we had to wait at Reading was parental hell. Can't blame them, and they had been as good as gold (an elderly lady even praised them.)

Thenoys did jn fact make me proud, they didn't even make a big deal of the fact a couple's dog had to do do a poo in mid-journey, luckily they got to the vestibule, unluckily it dropped its payload on both sides of the corridor. The stench was unbelievable as the mortified couple struggled to clear the twin deposits with loo roll, blocking of the toilets in the process. I think they may drive next time as at least they can let the dog out occasionally.

I would like to praise the lady in charge of the platform at Liskeard as she was superb in terms of guiding passengers and ensuring swift boarding despite increased volumes. If only her best practice had happened at both Plymouth and Exeter we may not have been as late getting home.

And back into work in London for the first time in a week today. Train was late due to trackside equipment issue at West Ealing, lots of apologies, 'nuff said.

What a difference a day makes...

Last week I thought finally, FGW have cracked it. Each day my train to work was on time, and each day it ran to schedule getting me home too. Well done FGW I thought.

And Instill think well done on one thing, there are more carriages on the cattle-truck service from Ealing Broadway to Banbury I catch at 1733, when it's on time, and that is making journeys more comfortable. So well done for that.

However in terms of punctuality normal service has been resumed. Now to be fair this mornings train to work left my home station on time...then somewhere on route we managed to start to run late, for no good reason....unless its the wrong sort of heat (as its quite a warm day.) Then tonight the train home was late in leaving Ealing Broadway too. It's more disappointing as I know that a punctual service can be done, and was maintained for a week.

As for the alleged air conditioning, having followed the MDs advice, and persuaded fellow passengers to close windows to help it be more efficient, I've decided it's obviously powered by an asthmatic hamster...we've given in and opened the windows again.

On a plus side I am looking forward to a gratis First Class trip to Cornwall later this week. Thank you FGW for that. And for those of you who don't like to complain, it is worth it when your complaint is genuine...

Anyway must go, I've found a slight draught and want to try and cool down.

For every drop of rain that falls, the Sahara desert says it all...

...it's a Miracle....sang the late great Freddie Mercury of Queen.

Well today I know how he feels. Having had a 2 week break from the commuting grindstone, during which I received a very nice e-mail from the MD of FGW in response to a spot of feedback I left my house with a heavy heart.

How late would my train be, I wondered. The info boards at the station claimed it was on-time, however I've learned to mistrust those pesky bits of kit. Therefore I more than pleasantly surprised when at 7.06 the train pulled in and then left bang in time. I was delighted when we then continued to run to timetable all the way to Ealing Broadway. What a great start to my day. Thank you FGW.

However when I left work, the normal sense of fear and unease had returned, after all it had all been so easy this morning. Well Imwas even more surprised as I stood at Ealimg Broadway watching the rain clouds gathering, and the sky darkening overhead, as once more the train was on time. And as promised in his very nice e-mail there were 5 coaches. Due to the Olympics/School Holidays there were less passengers than usual on the platform so as an added bonus everyone has a seat and we are not playing sardines..

Well done again FGW, long may this continue. Maybe it's the Olympic effect, however tonight I feel optimistic. Now if you can just sort the air con then perfection will have been achieved.