Rip-off Britain: why is everything so expensive? (The Guardian)

[whole diary]

[EBrown]

Nothing as yet on Twitter.

I see a couple.

[JayMac]

Several angry commuters have already vented their rage on XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise))'s Facebook page. Nothing as yet on Twitter. I expect the page admins will be shocked and call a crisis meeting with managers.

Really? Then I must be reading a different CrossCountry Facebook page than you. Just three comments about Richard Gibson and the guardian article. One of which is from me. All measured and merely questioning. So, no rage vented and nothing shocking. Just concern.

Plenty of people questioning Richard Gibson's comments on Twitter as well. Try the hash tag #crosscountry.

Your usual hyperbole Btline, which, as always, is misguided at best. Made up at worst merely to provoke reaction, which is very close to trolling and damn annoying. 

[Btline]

I see a couple.

Plenty of people questioning Richard Gibson's comments on Twitter as well. Try the hash tag #crosscountry.

Not very clued up on Twitter! Yes, I can see that there is a huge amount of anger on Twitter too. Interesting how this will pan out next week...

I expect managers will have to really think up a good way of getting out of this one! I think it is serious as it will damage XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise))'s reputation even further.

Isn't that an oxymoron? 

[JayMac]

There's a chance to quiz XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise))'s top brass tomorrow (Monday 16th April 2012). They are holding an online 'Meet the Manager' session on their Facebook page from 5pm-8pm.

Meet the Manager on Facebook with CrossCountry

Do you have a burning question, a point to make or perhaps some praise for CrossCountry? Well now is the chance to air your views on the issues that matter.

Between 5pm and 8pm on Monday 16th April, Managing Director Andy Cooper and members of his management team will be LIVE on Facebook to answer your questions.

If you^re unable to join Andy and the team on Monday, then do post your questions here in advance and we^ll answer each one on Monday evening.

https://www.facebook.com/Crosscountrytrains

I intend to ask one or two questions....

[EBrown]

I intend to ask one or two questions....

Could you possibly provide a transcript of your questions/answers please?

[JayMac]

I'll screengrab what I post and the replies (if any!)

I don't intend to be contentious and risk XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) censoring. But awkward questions may get removed so screengrabs are the best way to go, although all Q&As should be visible on XCs Facebook page.

[EBrown]

I'll screengrab what I post and the replies (if any!)

I don't intend to be contentious and risk XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) censoring. But awkward questions may get removed so screengrabs are the best way to go, although all Q&As should be visible on XCs Facebook page.

I'm not a Facebook user and I keep being asked to "Log In" - Which is quite irritating.

Thank-you.

[Btline]

Thanks BNM for offering to ask Qs- good idea to take screenshots too. I expect the minute shocked XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) staff log on tomorrow, they'll quickly start deleting posts!

For the benefit of non FB users: one disgruntled person has asked about the (lack of) Wifi, despite it being a franchise commitment. Another commuter, desperate for a seat, has asked whether they'll be more HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train (Inter City class 43 125 units)) in the future. (I expect the blunt answer will be "no")

And many more about the Guardian: The words "disgraceful" and "worrying" are used, as well as a request for Richard to "explain" himself.

[LiskeardRich]

One of the posts on xc wall was mine, think its obvious which to members, as my name on here is almost same as my facebook name.

[paul7575]

I intend to ask one or two questions....

1.  Can you please confirm that all relevant members of your staff are familiar with the Nation Rail conditions of carriage, specifically section 19...

2.  Can you also please confirm that all relevant members of your staff are familiar with the Advance Fares FAQs^▸ (Frequently Asked Questions) in the 'retail manual'...

3.  Can you now please confirm if your communications director is a relevant member of your staff?

  

[6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01]

Just to clarify on my post it was a poor attempt at humour and was a nearly identical post on one I had put on the forum previously on the same topic, probably wasn't a good idea as no one remembered me being shot down last time 

[eightf48544]

Like your Question Paul

Wonder if they will pick up any of your questions let us know.

Perhaps he should be retrained as a booking clerk and then made redundant under Mc Naulty.

I thought the whole article was appaling.

No blame on CC, we don't set part of the fare, if you are unhappy with the fare structure/conditions (which he seemed to have got wrong) talk to ATOC^» (Association of Train Operating Companies see - here).

In fact as far as I can see he didn't actually answer any of the questions posed?

Funily enough in another part of of Saturday's Guardian there was an article on how it pays companies  to be kind to their customers, by going out of the way to provided goos service little gifts etc. Just think if the railways handed out vouchers on any train that was stutorily late to save you having to write in for them.  If they were made cashable at the booking office  you could either get your money back or buy another journey.
 

[JayMac]

My opening gambit:

"Do you stand by the comments made by your Head of Communications, Richard Gibson in The Guardian on Saturday? Particularly with reference to the use of multiple tickets for a journey?"

The reply and my follow up:

[Btline]

 

Good stuff - keep it up.

[Btline]

Won't have a chance of getting onto FB. Can people momitor what other answers are given in case they're deleted. Esp to do with the running of HSTs^▸ (High Speed Train (Inter City class 43 125 units)).