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The only thing that really lets the 458 down compared to a 450 is the windows are a crap and the lack of carpet. Psychologically I'm more willing to sit on a 450 floor when packed than a 458 (despite I'm sure a similar level of filth!)
I've not taken the railway since Feb 2020, previously going in 5 days a week, then 2-3 days a week. I can't say I miss getting up at 6am and spending £37 a day for the privilege. I get actual work done from home (offices you spend half your time talking or being dragged into useless meetings)...
... except when they're used as stickers on the back of lorries and vans.
The government needs to ban those, or create a new "limited to x" shape/colour combination.
The Victoria Arch project is ploughing on at Woking.
I'd like to hope they could integrate any reconfiguring work (6th platform was on the agenda before too?) at a similar time they're demolishing and rebuilding the bridge.
The Roaming Railfan has some good construction videos. They're currently pushing a concrete box under a road. Lots of work has been done at Orlando Intl Airport.
The demand for bigger cars is also making the issue worse.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/14/suvs-will-ensure-oil-demand-grows-for-decades-warns-iea
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2019/oct/25/suvs-second-biggest-cause-of-emissions-rise-figures-reveal
Work has now started installing ticket barriers at Brookwood. The ticket machines have been moved outside (temporarily?). Very big banner on the fence on London-bound platform showing the plans.
At the same time they're still talking about High Level light rail between Staines and Heathrow moving ahead: https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/staines-light-rail-link-heathrow-16599865 - I assume that'd be an alternative to any Guildford or Basingstoke through services?