Techniquest
Veteran Member
I did start reading every post on this thread, out of curiosity on how others make their decisions. However, I got bored on page 2 
So instead I'm jumping right in. When it comes to deciding between direct and a change, I naturally look at the price first. If a change is cheaper, then that will peak my interest. Then it comes down to connection time, and if it's tight whether I know it's likely I'll make it or not. Newport, I'm looking at you specifically here
Then it comes down to what options I have to fill the time during the connection if it's not just a case of off one train and onto another. Is there time for a coffee, for example. Motive power also decides it for me by now too.
There's also the fact a change usually gives me a chance to get up and stretch the legs a bit, and for someone who loves being active then this is an important decision.
These days, I'm expecting it to be likely that I need to take my bike with me on my (again, expected to be much less frequent) journeys. Multiple cycle reservations aren't going to be welcome, so a direct train with just one will be most welcome.
Finally if there's luggage to be taken, that gets added to the consideration.
So for an example, these days if I was travelling to London (and in one direction or the other, sometime in the next 12 months I will be doing so, but not for a day out on the trains), I would most likely choose a direct Hereford-London Paddington service. Decent enough train for my needs, and the route is usually at a reasonable price. Times normally work fine for me, so I would be a fool to choose any other route. Given the bike will be travelling with me on this specific journey, going via Birmingham on the cheap is not what I will be looking at. Better for the bank balance but no dedicated cycle space on WMR.
So instead I'm jumping right in. When it comes to deciding between direct and a change, I naturally look at the price first. If a change is cheaper, then that will peak my interest. Then it comes down to connection time, and if it's tight whether I know it's likely I'll make it or not. Newport, I'm looking at you specifically here
Then it comes down to what options I have to fill the time during the connection if it's not just a case of off one train and onto another. Is there time for a coffee, for example. Motive power also decides it for me by now too.
There's also the fact a change usually gives me a chance to get up and stretch the legs a bit, and for someone who loves being active then this is an important decision.
These days, I'm expecting it to be likely that I need to take my bike with me on my (again, expected to be much less frequent) journeys. Multiple cycle reservations aren't going to be welcome, so a direct train with just one will be most welcome.
Finally if there's luggage to be taken, that gets added to the consideration.
So for an example, these days if I was travelling to London (and in one direction or the other, sometime in the next 12 months I will be doing so, but not for a day out on the trains), I would most likely choose a direct Hereford-London Paddington service. Decent enough train for my needs, and the route is usually at a reasonable price. Times normally work fine for me, so I would be a fool to choose any other route. Given the bike will be travelling with me on this specific journey, going via Birmingham on the cheap is not what I will be looking at. Better for the bank balance but no dedicated cycle space on WMR.
