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“Cross Country Trains... Unreliable Cramped Noisy Stale...”

written by on 03/06/2017

I recently travelled between Southampton and Birmingham New St using Cross Country... what a mistake! The trains are only 4 cars which means you will likely have to stand for a good deal of your journey, if or when you manage to get a seat and squeeze in next to some other hapless traveler you will find a distinct lack of leg room, but don't worry by the time you reach your next stop you will probably be asked to move as "your" seat is probably reserved by another passenger up the line.

Back to standing, oh well at least this way you don't get deep vein thrombosis.

On the return leg the air conditioning wasn't working which affected my lunch. A dry cheese and ham sandwich, a melted aero bar and a cup of filter coffee... poor value at £6.30. The sandwich was "Hand Crafted" which I assume means it has been fondled by an immigrant or other low paid worker, it certainly wasn't Gordon Ramsey!

I would recommend you either travel first class with reserve tickets or be prepared for a very unpleasant experience.

I forgot to mention the noise of the train and the dirty toilets. Apart from that no complaints.