RAILING AGAINST THE CRITICS

29-09-2006

Earlier this week,Stirrer reader Mark Wilson complained about the unwillingness ofrail staffto hold a connecting train at Smethwick's Galton Bridge Station, leaving him with a scary 30 minute wait. [link] Ged Burgess of Central Trains responds...

"I'm sorry that you had a poor experience when using our trains.

The minimum advertised connection time at Galton Bridge station is 7 minutes therefore your proper connection departed from the station at 22.15 hours. The train you tried to catch is not a viable connection.

In common with all rail operators we will generally not hold trains that are departing on time. This is particularly true on the busy Wolverhampton, Birmingham route where even minor delays accumulate on the journey leading to disruption and delay.

I am pleased to tell you that the station is covered by CCTV security cameras continuously monitored from the CCTV control room in the city centre. The station is staffed and there are help points on the platforms from which you can speak directly to an emergency operator should the need arise".