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Missed train due to platform alteration (Was Despicable treatment by EC)
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Searle
Established Member
I never said it was a northern service to Manchester Airport, nor did I ever say that I said that he remembered every single detail, it just seemed that the way every single person was jumping to one conclusion when we don't know the full story from the OP. He could come back now and confirm one way or another, I don't know that though.
Flamingo
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I'm not sure we will see him again.
Royston Vasey
Established Member
All that said, I don't believe the statement we are the Manchester Airport train rings true. This train for connections to Manchester Airport/For Manchester Airport use this train perhaps...
For what it's worth though, that doesn't change the question of whether there was a last minute platform change, but that could have been the signaller's fault not the station staff. Mistakes happen.
I wouldn't have called a lift when a late train is boarding though, certainly, although the OP appears to be a senior citizen and may have been unable to lug all his bags.
For what it's worth though, that doesn't change the question of whether there was a last minute platform change, but that could have been the signaller's fault not the station staff. Mistakes happen.
I wouldn't have called a lift when a late train is boarding though, certainly, although the OP appears to be a senior citizen and may have been unable to lug all his bags.
Mr Vasey,
I dont tell lies and yes I am a senior citizen but fit and well and certainly not in my dotage. I am managing director of a number of companies and fly my own aeroplane. I am also a qualified flying instructor. I am not stupid just angry at the lack of care shown by East Coast Rail. I had heavy cases with samples in them and could not have bounced them down the steps. Everything that I have related is exactly how and when it happened. I have used this timed train on many occasions before to catch my flight which leaves at around 2pm for Dubai. I have exhausted every avenue before trying the forums. I appreciate the efforts of the few who have the intellect and understanding to try and help. For the cynics and critics the extra spaces are to help you read and I wont be bothering you again. You obviously have a little world here which is important to you. Enjoy.
I dont tell lies and yes I am a senior citizen but fit and well and certainly not in my dotage. I am managing director of a number of companies and fly my own aeroplane. I am also a qualified flying instructor. I am not stupid just angry at the lack of care shown by East Coast Rail. I had heavy cases with samples in them and could not have bounced them down the steps. Everything that I have related is exactly how and when it happened. I have used this timed train on many occasions before to catch my flight which leaves at around 2pm for Dubai. I have exhausted every avenue before trying the forums. I appreciate the efforts of the few who have the intellect and understanding to try and help. For the cynics and critics the extra spaces are to help you read and I wont be bothering you again. You obviously have a little world here which is important to you. Enjoy.
185
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DarloRich
Veteran Member
Like i said something fishy - Which train were you on? Simple question. If you tell us that we can get you some information. You may be complaining to the wrong company entirely.
Im going on the defence of EC here.
Firstly they manage the station on behalf of NR. Platform alterations are down to Network Rail who control the signalling. Most platform alterations are announced a good few minutes before, but sometimes last minute changes need to be made. It was unfortunate you missed the flight, but if I was making such a journey, I would have looked for a budget hotel near the airport.
And I disagree with your criticisim of EC. In November 2011, I was on the last Kings Cross-Leeds one saturday night. At Peterborough it had a 67 attached to haul the train over the route via Lincoln. However the 67 was having problems and failed near Werrington Junction. Blessing was we were still under the wires, so the 91 was powered up to propel us back to Peterborough. But the train had to terminate there because the signalboxes along the diversionary route were closing for the night.
This also ment the Newcastle service behind also had to be terminated and Peterborough station staff were given the difficult task of phoning up for enough taxis and coaches to transport passengers from 2 trains forward to their destination's. Difficult yes, but they did it. When my coach dropped got to DONCASTER, the station staff were still present and the team leader asked the driver if he would take the Leeds passengers forward which he did.
In my letter to East Coast, I praised the station staff at Peterborough, Newark and Doncaster.
Firstly they manage the station on behalf of NR. Platform alterations are down to Network Rail who control the signalling. Most platform alterations are announced a good few minutes before, but sometimes last minute changes need to be made. It was unfortunate you missed the flight, but if I was making such a journey, I would have looked for a budget hotel near the airport.
And I disagree with your criticisim of EC. In November 2011, I was on the last Kings Cross-Leeds one saturday night. At Peterborough it had a 67 attached to haul the train over the route via Lincoln. However the 67 was having problems and failed near Werrington Junction. Blessing was we were still under the wires, so the 91 was powered up to propel us back to Peterborough. But the train had to terminate there because the signalboxes along the diversionary route were closing for the night.
This also ment the Newcastle service behind also had to be terminated and Peterborough station staff were given the difficult task of phoning up for enough taxis and coaches to transport passengers from 2 trains forward to their destination's. Difficult yes, but they did it. When my coach dropped got to DONCASTER, the station staff were still present and the team leader asked the driver if he would take the Leeds passengers forward which he did.
In my letter to East Coast, I praised the station staff at Peterborough, Newark and Doncaster.
Well this has kept me entertained on a quiet evening !
Agree with those who raise doubts:
* If a scheduled flight to Dubai departs at 1400 there is no way last check in would be 1100. Emirates quote 90 mins for Manchester - Dubai.
* Even if we do accept the 1100 cut off, a taxi from Doncaster to the airport would take 2 hours max on a Sunday morning so plenty of time anyway.
* If the taxi was delayed by some major incident (& there is no indication it was) then a phone call to the airline by a frequent flyer would almost certainly see arrangements made.
Agree with those who raise doubts:
* If a scheduled flight to Dubai departs at 1400 there is no way last check in would be 1100. Emirates quote 90 mins for Manchester - Dubai.
* Even if we do accept the 1100 cut off, a taxi from Doncaster to the airport would take 2 hours max on a Sunday morning so plenty of time anyway.
* If the taxi was delayed by some major incident (& there is no indication it was) then a phone call to the airline by a frequent flyer would almost certainly see arrangements made.
The title of the thread is 'missed train (and flight) ...'
Searle
Established Member
that wasn't the original title, and I think a mod accidentally assumed wrongly; it never actually says he missed the flight in the OP
Royston Vasey
Established Member
Forgive me, I wasn't accusing you of lying or being stupid. It's just that there seems to be no 0803 to Manchester Airport so we are trying to understand. I also am interested in what may have transpired to make you so upset with East Coast, when it wasn't their train. Despicable treatment by East Coast was the title of the thread, yet you glossed over the reasons you felt so wronged and mistreated by them.
I'm also not sure what you were aiming to achieve with your first post. Help you do what?
Apropos of nothing, if the flight left at 2pm, surely you had plenty of options to get to Manchester Airport in time, the next train via Sheffield would have got you to the airport before 12. In fact the direct TPE train at 10.42 would have got you there in time for the flight.
Just trying to understand the full story and what you came here for help with. Please tell us what East Coast said to you.
Sorry, my intellect is quite formidable but doesn't stretch to clairvoyance.
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bb21
Emeritus Moderator
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You say you have used it many times before yet no one seems to be able to find the exact train you claim. Do you not expect people to question your story if there are inconsistencies? How do you expect people to provide you with appropriate advice if the details you provide us are not consistent with verifiable facts? I am not accusing you of lying as there can be a host of reasons why sometimes details get muddied up, however the story does not seem to add up, so you can hardly blame people for being cynical.
You have taken it as high as you can. I don't know what else you want us to say to you. You still haven't said whether communication with East Coast is ongoing or whether this matter was considered closed by them a long time ago? If the latter, why have you left it for two years before seeking further advice?
I will be very blunt with you. The probability of you obtaining a reimbursement of your taxi fares is almost nil. From what I can gather, you did not seek permission from East Coast for a taxi and did so on your own accord. Why do you think East Coast should pay for it? If your flight is not until 1400 then check-in would not close until at least 1300 (or 1230 by today's much tighter rules) so you had plenty of time to get the train an hour or even two hours later and still comfortably make your flight.
Whether it is worth investing more time in is your decision, however I don't think you will have much to gain. East Coast may have messed things up in the first place however you never gave them a chance to put things right.
In light of the OPs most recent post, my earlier certainty about the story (and therefore related replies) now looks misdirected, if not entirely misguided.
I'm aware that, technically, I'm making references to deleted posts which falls foul of at least two forum regulations, so rather than going down that cul-de-sac again, I'll just end with this...
It appears now that there is a legitimate issue involving a lack of care and attention by [a] train company[ies], with reference to the platform change (if that's what it was) and the announcements (if there was any or none). However confusion over the day, time, and available services means that I can't be sure now, as I was before, that the OP was in the right all the way through this "portion" of the story.
It also appears that the passing of two years has produced something which, in any other context, would be considered "false memory syndrome".
If I seemed short or sharp with people before, I apologise.
I'm aware that, technically, I'm making references to deleted posts which falls foul of at least two forum regulations, so rather than going down that cul-de-sac again, I'll just end with this...
It appears now that there is a legitimate issue involving a lack of care and attention by [a] train company[ies], with reference to the platform change (if that's what it was) and the announcements (if there was any or none). However confusion over the day, time, and available services means that I can't be sure now, as I was before, that the OP was in the right all the way through this "portion" of the story.
It also appears that the passing of two years has produced something which, in any other context, would be considered "false memory syndrome".
If I seemed short or sharp with people before, I apologise.
Hello again.All of the facts and details are from the time itself as registered and logged at the time.Not " false memory syndrome".That sounds like something from "Yes Prime Minister" maybe you are a wannabe politician? I am joking of course. The train time was definitely quoted as 08.03 on the day. It actually arrived at 08.15 My ticket is printed Doncaster to Manchester Airport via Sheffield.I realise that reimbursement is very unlikely because I think East Coast would rather spend a thousand pounds avoiding paying a couple of hundred than doing just that.I dont want any one else to experience what I did and an apology would be good.By the way I did not miss my flight as some people think.I do not wish to offend anyone either and really cant do with all this negative banter so I will not persue this matter here any more.Once again thank you to all for your efforts .
DarloRich
Veteran Member
WHAT TRAIN COMPANY TRAIN DID YOU USE? it is a simple question. You might be complaining to the wrong company. You could be complaining to Tescos about a problem at Morrisons!
Flamingo
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Waldo, you came on to the forum looking for advice about a problem that is over two years ago, and you seem to have pursued down every avenue avaliable to you.
The advice that has been given (from some pretty knowledgable people in some cases) is it's over two years ago, move on.
Sorry if that is not to your liking, but there is no need to take the tone you are taking just because we are all not signing up for your crusade.
The advice that has been given (from some pretty knowledgable people in some cases) is it's over two years ago, move on.
Sorry if that is not to your liking, but there is no need to take the tone you are taking just because we are all not signing up for your crusade.
AlterEgo
Veteran Member
I'm not sure you want any help.
I asked three very simple questions a few pages back which went unanswered.
I think you've received a wide range of advice, most of which is very good and useful. I, personally, would move on.
ian959
Member
Waldo, playing devil's advocate here but have you considered that you have got nowhere with your complaints because there are too many inconsistencies and misrepresentations in your story? For instance, you say that you had to check in by 1100 at Manchester Airport for a 1400 flight . Err, very doubtful - check in would have opened at 1100 for a 1400 flight if my memory of frequent trips on Emirates serves me correctly. Check in would have closed at 1230 or 1300 for the flight so the next available train would have got you there in time so there was no need for you to get a taxi.
There are other inconsistencies too but the bottom line is you made some bad choices that made a bad situation worse and as many good, knowledgeable people have pointed out in this thread - move on.
Oh and some friendly advice - don't just have a plan A if you absolutely positively have to be on a flight. Plan B and Plan C should always be readily at hand because you NEVER know what can go wrong - and it always will go wrong when you must be on that particular flight or whatever.
There are other inconsistencies too but the bottom line is you made some bad choices that made a bad situation worse and as many good, knowledgeable people have pointed out in this thread - move on.
Oh and some friendly advice - don't just have a plan A if you absolutely positively have to be on a flight. Plan B and Plan C should always be readily at hand because you NEVER know what can go wrong - and it always will go wrong when you must be on that particular flight or whatever.
Flamingo
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Time to lock this one out?
DarloRich
Veteran Member
Dont be boring - he might come back and offer a bit more information so leave it a bit.
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It is the same now, 0803 Doncaster to Sheffield arr0841/dep0910 arrives Manchester Airport at 1026, (look up Sunday 03 March 13).
So it look as if some of the facts from the OP are incorrect.
So he was planning on arriving 34 minutes before check in (closed?), I wonder what time the flight was and what time check in was due to close?
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Flamingo
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Well the thread title clearly said the flight was missed as well as the train. I see it has now been changed to remove reference to a missed flight.
If the 'facts' presented are going to changed / removed as the thread develops it leaves posters in an impossible position.
Still here.Yes I did say HAD to be at check in for 11 when it opened.Perhaps I should have said Wanted or Planned to be at check in for that time.Dont you think you are nit picking a bit there.
Its very simple. The service provider failed to deliver the train on time.They failed to deliver the train to the correct platform.They failed to inform the passengers about the change.Because of this I was put to a great deal of trouble and expense. Yes I did have heavy luggage,what on earth has that to do with anything? How can this be ok ? The fact that I have to justify these matters repeatedly to the forum makes me wonder if some of you are not quite on the customers side.Is that the case? By the way I did not know this forum existed until a few days ago and thats the reason I did not post here.If I had known about it I would certainly have asked for help before.
Its very simple. The service provider failed to deliver the train on time.They failed to deliver the train to the correct platform.They failed to inform the passengers about the change.Because of this I was put to a great deal of trouble and expense. Yes I did have heavy luggage,what on earth has that to do with anything? How can this be ok ? The fact that I have to justify these matters repeatedly to the forum makes me wonder if some of you are not quite on the customers side.Is that the case? By the way I did not know this forum existed until a few days ago and thats the reason I did not post here.If I had known about it I would certainly have asked for help before.
DarloRich
Veteran Member
Apologies if I am repeating my self here but WHICH. TRAIN. COMPANY. DID. YOU. USE? Please can you answer this very simple question, then we could advise in detail. I think there is a rabbit off here.
Hi, I bought my ticket at Goole Station some time before and I thought it was with Trans Pennine.These were the first that I contacted with my complaint.They referred me to East Coast who replied accepting the responsibilty but denying any failings.They in fact said that Doncaster Station would not have failed to inform the passengers.Passenger focus tried to intervene and I was offered £25.00 vouchers which was not acceptable.I have just looked at my ticket and there is no indication which company uit is so I presume it would be East Coast Rail.
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