When GNER/WAGN did rail replacements to Stevenage, WAGN told passengers to change at Welwyn Garden City, while GNER said Hatfield.
There was confusion though as those with "Any Permitted" tickets were not told which was faster, I asked several people and got different answers.
Anyway when we got to Hatfield, and I was at the front of a 12 car train, I realised that the huge crowds heading toward the exit at the rear of the station meant I'd possibly have a long wait, so I got off at Welwyn, where I was one of the first to board. Some were not so lucky as there appeared to be a severe shortage of buses for the crowds!
It was great for the people of Potters Bar, Hatfield and Welwyn - they had a 12-car train every 20 minutes, fast line 100mph all the way! They must have never had it so good
The Welwyn buses were quicker (as I'd expected, a few miles less distance to go) but I found out the difference. GNER had hired in posh new coaches, WAGN had former London bus double deckers that were very tatty and struggled up hills
But still, I had a front seat so wasn't complaining
Only once had a ticket check, at Brighton but the driver didn't have a clue what the tickets were anyway, he was probably just instructed to check the date, and would probably have accepted a Wick to Thurso