I was due to go London for an interview with a fantastic online marketing agency, when it was proving difficult to fund the travel, especially as my parents were on holiday! The company were so understanding that they kindly paid my travel expense. I was so lucky to have such a great opportunity! I rushed to my brothers work to collect the money needed to get to London, rushed to the train station, and waited on the platform for the London Midland train.
I don't mind getting trains, I've always seen it as something fun to do. It is also a great way to have a good clear out of the brain as well! I sit there and think about everything, whilst listening to some music of course!
I was on the London Euston service which takes approximately 1 hour. I then had to get the underground for 10-15 minutes to London Waterloo. I was revising for my interview, especially as I've had a lack of confidence lately with some horrible interviews, and everything was good. I was happy to be going to London for an interview with an online marketing agency to potentially start my desired career.
I arrived to Waterloo and found my destination. I had my interview which lasted just under an hour and I decided to head home again. I felt happy. I got to Euston looked up at the train times to see I needed to go to platform 16 because my train was 'now boarding'.
I hurried to the platform quickly and set off for my journey home. The journey is not long and goes quite quick, but I did hit rush hour so I had to take the nearest seat available (First class indeed!) We stopped at 'Leighton buzzard' which is 20 minutes from 'Milton Keynes Central'. I text my brother letting him know I'll be home shortly, when he kindly offered to pick me up from the station. I realised I had got the train from 'Bletchley' near his work and was unsure if I had to get off at Bletchley. My brother advised to just get off at Milton Keynes Central. Luckily, he was right because the train did not even stop at Bletchley.
The hurdles of people scurried up the stairs, when my travel card beeped and told me to 'seek assistance'. I always have this problem! I showed the train attendant, walked through the barrier when I felt his hand on my shoulder. 'Excuse me love, this is to Bletchley. You will have to get back on the train to Bletchley'. Knowing my brother was outside instantly infuriated me. I rang my brother and informed him on the situation. He told me to meet him at the barriers and he will discuss it with the train attendant.
My brother politey asked the man if he could purchase a single ticket from Bletchley to Milton Keynes in order for me to come through the barrier. Our home was closer to Milton Keynes Central and he was already parked outside. The train attendant was what you would describe as a 'jobsworth'. He clearly liked the authority and the power that he had over us, that he decided to be arrogant and refuse our polite request. He kept repeating the phrase 'It's £20 penalty fare if you step through'. My brother was getting irate, especially as the train attendant was being rude.
There was not much we could do, so I had to meet my brother at Bletchley. As soon as we got home my brother immediately wrote a letter of complaint! He told me that he will send it everyday until he received a humanised response, as opposed to a generic automated response.
We appreciate London Midland have rules and regulations, but sometimes with common sense you need to cater for the customer. It was 7pm, I was hungry and my brother wanted to relax after his day at work. The train attendant could have arranged a single ticket from Bletchley to Milton Keynes to save the aggravation and the inconvenience caused to us. It is valid my ticket was for Bletchley, but the train did not stop there. The train man then said to me 'You need to check trains better then don't 'ya!'.
My brother has sent his letter of complaint and I'm hoping London Midland do take it seriously, otherwise this rude incapable train attendant will continue to treat customers like that. London Midland need to appreciate that he is representing their company. I really don't understand people with poor customer service, it is not even difficult to carry out. Just be nice and reason with the customer.
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