Holy Grail? No thanks, we already have one!

Much excitement on Radio 4's 'You and Yours' this morning.

Robin Gisby, NR's superslick Director of Operations, claimed that Network Rail has already delivered the Holy Grail of Railway Operations.

(Click here and forward to 39 mins into the programme to hear the piece)

During a discussion on the Seven Day Railway, presenter Winifred Robinson asked:

"When do you think we will have a seven day rail service?"

To which Gisby replied "We already have one."

Perhaps a careless question from Robinson but very naughty of 'Oilslick' to take advantage by implying that NR is already there.

50 bob Bowker

As predicted by the Eye way back on the 6th January National Express is to start charging for reservations.

From 17th May both National Express East Coast and National Express East Anglia will introduce a £2.50 fee for certain seat reservations.

The Eye understands that the reservation charge will only apply to standard class tickets where reservations are not already required.

So if you want to secure a seat - you pay.

At the moment it looks like season ticket holders can continue to book rezzies with impunity.

Status pass holders - no chance!

UPDATE: This from an 'Anonymous' reader...

One piece of good news.

NatEx have finally given in to customer demand and started accepting American Express Cards as a means of payment.

As AmEx charge a higher amount to the retailer perhaps passengers can vote with their credit cards when paying this additional travel tax?

That'll do nicely!

The difference between TfL and NR bonuses

This from the Gruaniad...

Transport for London chiefs have drawn up plans to freeze around 1,000 managers' pay and review bonuses as significant improvements to the tube are hit by a multibillion-pound funding gap.

Meanwhile TSSA's Gerry Doherty (who can't see a bandwagon without jumping on it) demanded Iain Coucher follow the example of TfL and freeze his £500,000 salary and scrap his £600,000 annual bonus.

Of course it is completely unfair of Doherty to compare TfL with NR!

They are of course completely different organisations

Transport for London is a "public sector organisation".

Transport for London receives many millions of pounds from the taxpayer. Without the money from the taxpayer it could not exist. Managers have to be careful to spend taxpayers hard earned money carefully, as waste can cause public resentment or anger.

Network Rail on the other hand is a "private company".

Network Rail receives many millions of pounds from the taxpayer. Without the money from the taxpayer it could not exist. Managers have to be careful to spend taxpayers money carefully. However, as a "private company" it is okay to spend taxpayers hard earned money on large bonuses or salaries. This can still cause resentment or anger.

The Eye hopes the difference between the two is now clear.