Train Conductors
There's one train conductor on the Cardiff Central - Rhumney line, who is a propper jobsworth.

For a start - Where as most other Arriva Trains Wales staff couldn't give a damn about their appearence, this guy insists on wearing the full gear, compleate with peaked cap, and a little bagde with "Guard" written on it (Just in case the ticket machine in his hand didn't give it away)

The tannoy - On every other train journey, the tannoy is compleatly unused, except at Aber stop, to warn everyone about the bloody massive gap. However, we all know when this conductor's on the train, 'cause in addition to announcing each stop, and which stops we have left, he also gives detailed instructions on how to open the door! (Keep in mind, this is rush-hour, so 99% of the people on there use that train every day!) Also, if the train's late, he enjoys saying things like "This train is now FOUR minutes late. Use all the doors on the carrage, not just the closest one!"

Disapointingly, I've only found one was to get my own back. During rush hour trips, he likes to print off about 50 tickets to Cardiff, then sells them, instead of waiting to print them individually. So, when he wanders up the isle and asks me "Return to Cardiff is it?" Is say "Yes please, here's my credit card." Cue a dirty look, as he has to stand there actually printing off a ticket! (off all things), before waiting for my credit card to process the £3.10 transaction.

Petty, but sweet =)
( owain2002, Thu 12 May 2005, 16:47, Reply)