tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83474976270912202632011-07-31T01:22:46.888-07:00Stevenoreply@blogger.comBlogger431100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-68357014676076482892010-10-10T13:31:00.000-07:002010-10-10T13:51:26.676-07:00At North Geelong Station this morning 'permanently cranky smoking woman' made the snide remark "Well that was clever!" when I got the last comfy space on the floor instead of her.<br /><br />I am not sure what her issue is really. I was standing 5 metres away from her toxic poison until she littered her stub. then I moved to where I would have been standing had she not been polluting a public space - right where the door of the train arrives.<br /><br />Well actually I am clever. I know where the train stops. The door aligns with a spot opposite the wire fence approximately 2 metres from a prominent line of rust. I also know to keep away from her disgusting and selfish carcinogens.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-6835701467607648289?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-54522326744242899722010-09-23T01:02:00.003-07:002010-09-23T01:02:55.382-07:00<br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/sjr3221/TheTrainComplainer?authkey=Gv1sRgCMD6xofVpqytUQ#5520016413015336434'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/TJsJrmwa5fI/AAAAAAAAAEA/l_XVPx252TM/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='209' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-5452232674424289972?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-70522884015001982372010-09-23T01:02:00.001-07:002010-09-23T01:02:13.825-07:00<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/sjr3221/TheTrainComplainer?authkey=Gv1sRgCMD6xofVpqytUQ#5520016226805791634'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/TJsJgxEmu5I/AAAAAAAAAD8/nlJN84rRAII/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='209' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-7052288401500198237?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-43530452162907113482010-09-18T01:26:00.001-07:002010-09-18T17:24:37.914-07:00<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-4353045216290711348?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-86796408908144848362010-09-16T02:09:00.001-07:002010-09-16T02:09:22.122-07:00<br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/sjr3221/TheTrainComplainer?authkey=Gv1sRgCMD6xofVpqytUQ#5517435936060009442'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/TJHewE_U6-I/AAAAAAAAAD0/-4ngzGXOsHQ/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='209' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-8679640890814484836?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-13509330878119244912010-09-16T02:08:00.001-07:002010-09-16T02:08:40.541-07:00<br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/sjr3221/TheTrainComplainer?authkey=Gv1sRgCMD6xofVpqytUQ#5517435757615182402'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/TJHelsOw8kI/AAAAAAAAADw/lOimOnYz3yE/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='209' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-1350933087811924491?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-39673610896652278622010-09-16T02:05:00.001-07:002010-09-16T02:05:55.814-07:00<br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/sjr3221/TheTrainComplainer?authkey=Gv1sRgCMD6xofVpqytUQ#5517435052842856098'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/TJHd8qv8rqI/AAAAAAAAADs/9sVVMjoCkcw/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='209' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-3967361089665227862?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-32963465961682018422010-09-12T23:34:00.001-07:002010-09-12T23:34:06.529-07:00<br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/sjr3221/TheTrainComplainer?authkey=Gv1sRgCMD6xofVpqytUQ#5516282669969536258'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/TI3F3KAtdQI/AAAAAAAAADo/KvXIflZfkn4/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='209' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-3296346596168201842?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-73672235154199628502010-09-12T16:01:00.001-07:002010-09-12T16:01:07.030-07:00<br /><br /><center><a href=''><img src='(null)' border='0' width='281' height='209' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-7367223515419962850?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-90307621374651944232010-09-10T22:20:00.001-07:002010-09-10T22:20:16.110-07:00<br /><br /><center><a href='http://picasaweb.google.com/sjr3221/TheTrainComplainer?authkey=Gv1sRgCMD6xofVpqytUQ#5515521470345632130'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/TIsRjgb92YI/AAAAAAAAADg/FwvRrtjlXpA/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='209' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-9030762137465194423?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-38470585708409692342010-09-03T22:43:00.000-07:002010-09-03T22:46:10.936-07:00Hundreds of footy fans were delayed an hour to last night' qualifying final at the MCG after a V/Line train broke down at Lara.<br /><br />The brakes got stuck on the 4.55pm Melbourne-bound train packed with more than 500 people at Lara station about 5.30pm, and all its passengers had to move off the train and squeeze onto later services.<br /><br />The brake failure also held up two other trains travelling behind it, as they picked up the stranded passengers at Lara.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2010/09/04/207311_news.html">http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2010/09/04/207311_news.html</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-3847058570840969234?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-39999552768307173422010-08-11T23:34:00.000-07:002010-08-11T23:40:20.901-07:00Just saw a bloke on platform 4 drinking white wine directly from a cask!<br /><br />He didnt look like a wino either; just an average commuter on the fast track to getting Sh*t-faced.<br /><br />Does he know something I dont?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-3999955276830717342?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-68708578447316027622010-08-08T14:29:00.000-07:002010-08-08T14:31:27.574-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; "><p style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><strong>The notoriously unreliable 4.55pm service is updated with a modern VLocity train from today.</strong></p><p style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">The old locomotive service from Southern Cross to Geelong was known among commuters for its frequent breakdowns and its outdated booth-style carriage seating.</p><p style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">Lets blow the old one up or have it dumped out to see to become a diving wreck.</p><div><br /></div></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-6870857844731602762?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-69161183594185981022010-08-03T23:42:00.000-07:002010-08-04T02:17:18.438-07:00How ironic, a large group of VLine execs getting their photo taken infront of the 4:4o today - but they didnt hang around to find out that there were delayed carriages and widespread signal failures meaning the train didnt depart. Well done guys - smile for the camera!<div><br /></div><div>So all aboard the stinky rattler for a slow, slow journey. I suppose there is some consolation, the train didn't break in half and decouple like yesterday. Combined with the door failure this morning it means I spent 5 fun-filled hours commuting today.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-6916118359418598102?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-90226894881048739042010-07-22T23:52:00.000-07:002010-07-22T23:56:03.778-07:00Well yesterday's fiasco has shown me that the stinky old carriages of the 455 are still having to continue chugging because VLocity units are breaking down so the three new carriages launched this week really havent created any new seats.<div><br /></div><div>I do like the new purple detailing however.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-9022689488104873904?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-8600022244087495012010-07-22T14:35:00.000-07:002010-07-22T14:37:58.948-07:00Last night's painful three hour journey home was at least made better by the good humour of my fellow Geelong commuters. I made it to the birthday dinner and the tart was delicious.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-860002224408749501?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-32147348093465503362010-07-22T00:58:00.000-07:002010-07-22T01:01:28.316-07:00The 44o broke down four times and stranded me and hundreds of other passengers at South Kensington Station.<div><br /></div><div>So much for state of the art new carriages. Hmph!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-3214734809346550336?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-23832216342399690552010-07-21T21:29:00.000-07:002010-07-21T21:31:45.599-07:00New carriages coming to Geelong line<br /><a id="currentLink" href="http://www.vline.com.au/home/news/LatestNews/Current.aspx">Current</a> <a id="archiveLink" href="http://www.vline.com.au/home/news/LatestNews/Archive.aspx">Archive</a><br />20-Jul-2010 New carriages being added to the V/Line fleet will mean the replacement of an old train.<br />Tuesday, 20 July<br />One of V/Line’s oldest carriage sets will be replaced in August following the addition of more carriages and seats to the network.The 16:55 Southern Cross Station to Marshall will be replaced with a five-car VLocity train after delivery was taken of the newest three-car VLocity last week.The addition of the newest three-car VLocity brings the number of additional seats added to the rail network to 7400 in four years.Featuring a new livery and other safety features the new carriages are the first of 11 new trains (32 carriages) to be in service by October next year adding a further 2360 seats.Works have also finished to extend Marshall Station car park, adding a further 400 spaces.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.vline.com.au/home/news/LatestNews/1925867856/Article.aspx">http://www.vline.com.au/home/news/LatestNews/1925867856/Article.aspx</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-2383221634239969055?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-71369341024742659832010-07-18T23:34:00.000-07:002010-07-20T02:16:31.254-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/TEVpTYJkaeI/AAAAAAAAADQ/MUQY0M9JHqk/s1600/mykibarriers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/TEVpTYJkaeI/AAAAAAAAADQ/MUQY0M9JHqk/s320/mykibarriers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495914701896575458" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/TEPz2VYr6LI/AAAAAAAAADI/UtEOs9ee1-w/s1600/thanks+Myki.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/TEPz2VYr6LI/AAAAAAAAADI/UtEOs9ee1-w/s320/thanks+Myki.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495504085101308082" /></a><br />It is so annoying! AAAAAaaagh! The sign says "Getting Ready for Myki in 2010" but what it really means is that I have to walk 20 metres out of my way to go through the Myki touch on touch off thingos, even though Myki doesnt work on VLine trains and there is no date for it to go live.<br /><br /><br />The guys in the Myki Experience centre tell me that Trams and buses will before VLine so I imagine the 2010 goal will not be very achievable.<br /><br />It goes completely against the natural flow of pedestrian traffic. Who designed that - a public servant?<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-7136934102474265983?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-9797305014373749682010-06-22T14:18:00.000-07:002010-06-22T14:27:40.958-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/TCEqnZ_x9tI/AAAAAAAAADA/nAfiylyEnf4/s1600/gas1g.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 334px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/TCEqnZ_x9tI/AAAAAAAAADA/nAfiylyEnf4/s320/gas1g.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485712677595641554" /></a><br />It is 4 degrees and the heating is not working on the train.<br /><br />Now we seem to have lost all power. The train is slowing to a crawl somewhere in between Little River and somewhere else.<br /><br />At least I have my snazzy new folding stool to sit on.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-979730501437374968?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-51058690785338088102010-06-11T19:56:00.000-07:002010-06-11T19:58:26.307-07:00An Auditor-General's report this week revealed train assaults were increasing. The report said there were <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/its-a-war-zone-say-melbournes-train-drivers-20100611-y3o7.html">7055 offences last financial year</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-5105869078533808810?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-77027940670601706722010-06-09T18:20:00.000-07:002010-06-09T19:19:38.760-07:00Hundreds of <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/passengers-evacuated-from-smoke-vline-train-at-bacchus-marsh/story-e6frf7jo-1225877798871">passengers have been evacuated </a>from one of V/Line's brand new trains after smoke and fumes leaked into the carriages. <br /><br />Staff on the 8.22am service from Wendouree in Ballarat to Southern Cross station were alerted to the problem by passengers.<br /><br />Paramedics were called to Bacchus Marsh station as passengers were asked leave the three-carriage VLocity train.<br /><br />Each of the cars, which have seating for 76 customers, was <strong>near capacity </strong>at the time of the incident.<br /><br />A staff member said "the problem is coming from underneath the train".<br /><br />This would have been a disaster if it had been on the Geelong Line which is way over capacity every morning.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-7702794067060170672?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-40665854041646318292010-06-07T19:55:00.000-07:002010-06-07T19:59:49.020-07:00These crappy carriages are more trouble than they are worth.<br /><br />From the Geelong Advertiser - "Up to 300 commuters suffered a false start yesterday morning after a mechanical problem halted a busy V/Line train." <br /><br />"The Melbourne-bound 7.47am train suffered a power failure, forcing V/Line to push 200 commuters onto the 8am Warrnambool service and a further 100 on to coaches at Lara."<br /><br />"The engine which generate power to the carriages, lights and air-conditioning stop working and with that we couldn't run the service," V/Line spokeswoman Clare Steele said.<br /><br />"The 50-year locomotive haul returned to service late yesterday."<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-4066585404164631829?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-7608624940553341992010-06-04T21:47:00.000-07:002010-06-04T22:25:27.951-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/TAna5grgHkI/AAAAAAAAAC0/Yx-LhpvCzho/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-06-05+at+3.03.37+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 276px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/TAna5grgHkI/AAAAAAAAAC0/Yx-LhpvCzho/s320/Screen+shot+2010-06-05+at+3.03.37+PM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479151103232712258" /></a><br />Train operator Metro has been <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/rail-operator-metro-fails-to-meet-performance-targets-again/story-e6frf7jo-1225875694288">fined the maximum $3 million</a> for its poor management of the Melbourne rail network. Yarra Trams was fined $95,000 and V/Line $442,000 for the January-March period.<br /><br />Metro staff are <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/05/10/2894832.htm?section=business">still paid performance bonuses</a>, despite continually failing to meet punctuality targets.<br /><br />Metro pays everyone. They pay the Government millions in fines and hundreds of thousands in bonuses to staff...and they <a href="http://www.metrotrains.com.au/About-us/Metro-Performance.html">pay compensation to commuters</a> for lousy service. What great business model.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-760862494055334199?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-73420378930766963202010-06-03T14:47:00.000-07:002010-06-03T15:21:33.922-07:00The 7.29 from North Geelong is quite a good option if you are not in too much of a hurry. It has a first class carriage and isnt too crowded because the 7:26 express is standing room only. It fills up by about Little River. Today the CITY OF SHEPPARTON is the engine. <br /><br />Why do people dump old sofas by train lines? Because they cant be bothered going to a landfill or the Salvos I suppose. They are always bogan couches and it gives the impression that on a Friday or Saturday night a bunch of mullets arrive to down a few bundy'n'cokes and watch the trains.<br /><br />On the subject of the Salvos, We just pulled in to Werribee station opposite the Salvation Army shop where someone <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/3891635.stm">found unreleased Beatles tapes</a> in an old suitcase.<br /><br />Although apparently the whole thing was <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3579976.stm">faked</a>.<br /><br />Another place people dump old sofas is on their front porches. Especially on the porches of small old weatherboard farmhouses in places like Batesford. Now were are in Newport and I am trying to spot a Porch-couch. hahaha - found one in Spotswood just before you go under the Westgate Bridge. <br /><br />I just invested a new game "Google-Porch-couch-spotting" Use Google StreetView to spot a Porch-Couch and post an online snapshot.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-7342037893076696320?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-10105579722212917602010-06-02T23:37:00.000-07:002010-06-02T23:51:11.072-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/TAdOqSYGoSI/AAAAAAAAACs/ex_LbJyzrvg/s1600/Photo+on+2010-06-03+at+16.33.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 384px; height: 288px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/TAdOqSYGoSI/AAAAAAAAACs/ex_LbJyzrvg/s320/Photo+on+2010-06-03+at+16.33.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478433960113905954" /></a><br />National foods have laid plastic grass all over Southern Cross Station. Looks nice but I wouldn't touch their product. <br /><br />PR stunts will only get a company so far. Is it a coincidence that this comes hot on the heels of National Foods becoming the first casualty of a inquiry into competition in the dairy industry after losing part of its $400 million house-brand milk contract with Woolworths.<br /><br />After a review of its national house-brand milk contract Woolworths has dumped National Foods and awarded its Queensland contract to Parmalat aother big contracts to Murray Goulburn Co-op.<br /><br />The Heavenly Queen statue is shining brightly in the afternoon sunshine today.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-1010557972221291760?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-39502274007071604482010-06-02T13:54:00.000-07:002010-06-02T14:36:08.242-07:00GEELONG commuters <a href="http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2010/06/03/178781_news.html">fare much worse</a> than their metropolitan counterparts when it comes to standing on trains, according to the Public Transport Users Association.<br /><br />Meanwhile, overcrowding on Melbourne's trains is causing <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/stations-get-paramedics-as-morning-rush-takes-toll-20100602-wzrc.html?autostart=1">so many passengers to become ill</a> that Metro is stationing St John Ambulance paramedics at its five busiest stations during morning rush hours.<br /><br />The CITY OF BAIRNSDALE is speeding through a very thick fog this morning, becoming even thicker as we roll through Newport. My tootsies are cold and my non-leather Vegan Wares shoes are looking the worse for wear.<br /><br />I am wearing a purple shirt today for the inaugural ABID (Andrew Bolt is a D*^khead) Day. Not sure where I will get a purple ribbon from. Today 3 June is actually <a href="http://www.amnesty.org.au/home/event/23068/">Mabo day</a> which is a cause for celebration and renewed action.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-3950227400707160448?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-68177533431415543582010-06-01T14:01:00.000-07:002010-06-01T22:32:48.712-07:00Sitting across the aisle from a selfish idiot this morning. Each time I see him on the train he has hogged two first class seats to himself, fully reclined with his bag also on the seat beside him. And to make things worse it is a Crumpler bag. That is so unfair Crumpler shouldnt sell to scum like him. Even though you are wearing sunglasses it doesnt make you invisible you know? <div><br /></div><div>I dont understand what he is playing at, these trains are always full to capacity. Someone always has to tap him awake and ask him "excuse me!". And his reaction is always one of total put-outedness.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next time I should post a photo of the tool.</div><div></div><div>P.S. may now be in danger of becoming a trainspotter. I went to look at the name of the engine hauling my train this morning but couldnt see it. However, I did manage to not the engine number (464) and looked up on Wikipedia that it was the CITY OF GEELONG. This contradicts my earlier obserbation that this engine always hauls the Warnambool service.</div><div></div><div>P.P.S. RE: the Metro squish - Standing next to someone wearing a cigarette smoke permeated winter coat is worse than standing near someone actually smoking.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-6817753343141554358?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-56045816043892628362010-05-31T04:08:00.000-07:002010-06-01T20:55:15.727-07:00Today my train was "hauled" (note correct railway operational term) by the CITY OF ECHUCA. I always assumed it would be the same each day, where was the WANGARATTA? Almost missed it this morning because Surly Sue in front on me in the car park wanted to reverse park. <div><br /></div><div>Extremely annoying girls on the 4:4o this evening in the central carriage up the front. They would not stop giggling. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today is World No Tobacco day. The guy on the platform at North Geelong must not have known this when he inhaled deeply and then squeezed in the crowded metro and waited until the doors closed to exhale. In any case had a win at work - Southern Cross Lane will soon be declared a Smoke-free zone.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-5604581604389262836?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-87433860509041396752010-05-27T15:14:00.000-07:002010-05-27T15:38:05.249-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/S_7xjTXloWI/AAAAAAAAACk/gLwkPKd7mc8/s1600/Photo+on+2010-05-28+at+08.25.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/S_7xjTXloWI/AAAAAAAAACk/gLwkPKd7mc8/s200/Photo+on+2010-05-28+at+08.25.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476079785726026082" /></a>This morning I am blogging from the floor of the vestibule to the first class carriage of the Warnambool to Melbourne train. I have noticed that this particular service is always pulled by the engine called the "CITY OF GEELONG".<div><br /></div><div>I arrived at the station too late for a 1st class reservation. Apparently there were only 3 available to start with. Still, I'd rather sit on the floor up the front than have a seat in the unreserved carriages at the back. It's not too cold on the doormat. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15.8333px; ">Unlike the stinky old festy train the 7:55 - I must find out it's name, for surely that is the shittiest train on victorian rails. Have I blogged about it before - I know I have written to the Public Transport Minister about it. I froze my butt off on the the floor of that train the other morning.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Yesterday I was on the 6:46 from North Geelong which was "CITY OF WANGARATTA". Benji is at the Vet Specialist this morning for a consultation prior to her knee surgery. Poor old Limpy Loo.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-8743386050904139675?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-61013251870029553882010-05-26T02:07:00.000-07:002010-05-26T02:18:50.790-07:00Today I spotted an engine called <i>Sir Harold W Clapp</i> <p class="MsoNormal">It looked a bit different to the other red engines that pull the older VLine trains. Wikipedia <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victorian_Railways_B_class_(diesel)">tells</a> me it is a B class Diesel (Emma at work has a dog named Deisel) that entered service in 1952.</p><p class="MsoNormal">As usual I was on the 4:40 to Marshall from Southern Cross. Today I sat next to the guy that wears the funny navy-blue hat with the flop down ear-muffs. </p><p class="MsoNormal">When we got off at North Geelong I noticed that the petite lady with the designer handbags - had a newly purchased handbag.</p> <!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-6101325187002955388?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-69175006583453286482009-07-07T16:09:00.001-07:002009-07-07T16:15:48.884-07:00Mr tough guy with the mega chunky fake gold gangsta ring emblazened with a "$" must be a VIP in disguise. That must be the reason he needs to take up two whole seats on the train from Geelong while little old ladies have to stand.<br /><br />Not all little old ladies are standing. One is quite comfy and so are her bag and umbrella on the seat next to her. I hope her bag and umbrella didnt pay full price when they only get half a seat each.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-6917500658345328648?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-37182194253568657252009-01-21T17:19:00.000-08:002009-01-21T17:24:00.055-08:00I scored a lovely hatrick of pubic transport with no air-conditioning this morning. Plus, there were no first class tickets left. I chose to sit in the vestibule instead. There is no room to read a broadsheet in economy. Meanwhile Connex staff enjoy free first class travel on VLine - Lucky them that dont have to use their own trains.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-3718219425356865725?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-60953651516499883522008-09-24T15:56:00.000-07:002008-09-24T16:05:58.684-07:00This morning I am trying something different - working from home from 6:30 til 7:30 and then catching the 8:08 from Warnambool which I can prebook a first class seat so that I can be guaranteed a spot with a tray table to rest my laptop. <br /><br />When i went to pick up my reservation however i found that the guy on the vline booking number had actually put me down for a one way fare as well as a seat reservation. Luckily the bloke at north geelong cancelled it and gave me a another. <br /><br />This was lucky because they had run out last week.<br /><br />I have noticed that there are not any police officers or connex staff taking up the first class carriage on the warnambool train. I certainly dont mind sharing the carriage with the police - it was quite reassuring the day that there was a seige with a guy brandishing an imitation firearm.<br /><br /><br />come to think of it - that was actually a warnambool service.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-6095365151649988352?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-45354637690807486832008-09-22T14:11:00.000-07:002008-09-22T14:16:14.320-07:00To the woman clipping her fingernails on the escalators at Parliament Station - you are gross. <br /><br />Also - well done to to the connex ticket inspectors yesterday who were not standing in my way for once. Thank you. Is it too much to ask?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-4535463769080748683?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-2251586972985617282008-09-21T23:35:00.001-07:002008-09-25T00:07:24.373-07:00It's showtime and the train is packed with kids and showbags. Help! And what's worse is that I dont have a showbag. I want a Bertie Beatle Goddammit - and rainbow sparkly wig and an inflatable hammer - and some fricken Wizz Fizz. I think the guy on the floor beside me has train rage<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-225158697298561728?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-3314474801436853292008-09-15T23:46:00.000-07:002008-09-15T23:55:53.825-07:00This is my first time blogging directly from the train. I have just picked up an EeePC Notebook and an Optus wireless 3G USB modem starter pack. I have gone for the pre paid option to check it out before committing.<br /><br />This morning i didnt get online until i was almost at Lara but after that it was pretty good. A little slow over the virtual network to my office files and email but basic web surfing was OK. Not fantastic but OK.<br /><br />sitting in first class there was heaps of room but this arvo on the VLocity the seats are too close together to type comfortably - so i will sign off. Happy to have a seat.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-331447480143685329?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-24891439756050868152008-09-12T18:43:00.000-07:002008-09-12T18:47:21.693-07:00I found these guys while looking for video of overcrowded V/Line trains. They are dancing a V-Line which looks like much more fun way to commute from Geelong to Melbourne. It would be pretty tiring though and would take about a week.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="349"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Sxx4NiJSDxo&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00&amp;border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Sxx4NiJSDxo&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00&amp;border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="349"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-2489143975605086815?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-38808646911865970342008-09-12T01:38:00.000-07:002008-09-12T01:43:14.387-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/SMorYWOv5NI/AAAAAAAAAAw/OMWPwGXQ8fs/s1600-h/Untitled-1.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/SMorYWOv5NI/AAAAAAAAAAw/OMWPwGXQ8fs/s400/Untitled-1.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245052413310657746" border="0" /></a><br />This is my favourite spot if there arent many spots on the floor to sit. It is no good if you are 6 feet tall for example - but perfect for me.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-3880864691186597034?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-37264342961993389512008-09-09T21:22:00.000-07:002008-09-09T21:25:44.730-07:00This video reaffirms my choice to use public transport. An hour sitting on the floor is still better than driving.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/extras/video/carvtrains/index.html">http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/extras/video/carvtrains/index.html</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-3726434296199338951?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-85016592722960495142008-09-09T17:17:00.000-07:002008-09-09T17:41:12.232-07:00I hate inconsiderate people who invade my personal space <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">unnecessarily like the woman I sat next to this morning. She kept elbowing me while reading her paper. Let me get this clear though she was crossing the invisible line between the seats.</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">I ALWAYS stay well within my space and NEVER cross over. I think it is only polite. I need to come up with a system for identifying and avoiding these types of passengers.</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">First of all there are different types of hogs:</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span><br /><ol><li><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"><strong>The Spreader</strong>: you know the type, guys who have to spread their legs as far apart as possible just to show us how butch they are. Look, unless you have a fricken hernia the size of a grapefruit keep you legs together mate.</span> </li><li><strong>The Blocker</strong>: these are the people who try to prevent other people sitting next to them. Some blockers do this by simply sitting in the aisle seat, (although this isnt always a blocking tactic:see my post on getting a seat on the 4:40) but usually blockers use their bags to save a seat for their imaginary friend. Most annoying are the Blocker's who humph and puff when you ask them if they would mind moving their bag.</li><li><strong>The Chicken Tonight</strong>: it's all about the elbows. I dont care if you are reading a tabloid or a broadsheet, dont elbow me. It can be done - it takes some practise but you can read a broadsheet newspaper and stay on your side on the invisible line. Ditto for knitting - Knitting Chickens are the worst because the poking is incessant.</li></ol><p>Spreaders, Blockers and Chickens Tonighters are all pretty easy to spot. My favourite way to avoid them is to pick someone reading a novel. They are more likely to be regular travellers with advanced train etiquette. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-8501659272296049514?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-87780538192025678882008-09-09T17:11:00.000-07:002008-09-09T17:15:03.086-07:00What are those ear disk ring hole things called? You know what I mean, those freak hole in the ear things - I hate them! But i can't help myself from staring at them. I am all for creative expression through body modification but surely you ears just keep stretching over time until there will be a whole generation of seniors with earring things the size of hula hoops.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-8778053819202567888?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8347497627091220263.post-39087063575548700942008-09-09T17:08:00.000-07:002008-09-12T02:31:55.655-07:00Trains between Geelong and Melbourne have gotten so bad that people push in front of each other at North Geelong just to get a place on the floor to sit.So it is great news that Geelong’s busiest peak train services will now have an extra carriage but there are usually more than 80 people standing and sitting on the floor during these services. So the trains will still be overcrowded.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/SMo2uTpis6I/AAAAAAAAAA4/GTQGUQlYOmY/s1600-h/300px-Vlocity_interior.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 201px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jxymfx38LP4/SMo2uTpis6I/AAAAAAAAAA4/GTQGUQlYOmY/s320/300px-Vlocity_interior.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245064885202760610" border="0" /></a><br />The glossy brochure advertising the new carriages brag about the extra 80 comfy seats. Please, you guys are selling yourselves short by not counting the luggage racks which are quite comfortable and are prime positions that usually get snapped up quickly. You can squeeze 4 people in the luggage area. But I suppose 84 new seats is better than nothing I suppose.<br /><br />Last week I managed to score a seat on the always over-crowded 4:40 pm express service from Southern Cross. Getting a seat sounds like random piece of luck, no let me tell you there is a science to it. I will tell you how it is done.<br /><br />First of all, you need to arrive at the station about 4:10, 30 minutes prior to departure. The train should be waiting at platform 4 with the doors locked. There will already be little queues of people waiting by each door. I prefer to choose a queue that is away from the main concourse because these queues will become huge by the time you can finally board, ditto the doors at the far end near the escalators.<br /><br />There is every chance though that the train will be awaiting half its carriages. In this case, and this is very important, you need to make your way to the mezzanine level of the station and notify the friendly staff of the LoCo Bar which drink you require. Glasses of wine start from $6, and there is a good range of beers on tap. Carriages take at least 10 minutes to maneuver into place so you can relax and take a seat on the balcony.<br /><br />From this vantage point you can wave, say cheers and wave your glass at the really good-but-slightly-scary-looking young evangelical bloke that likes to stand on a milk crate next to the MX stand preaching eternal damnation to everyone that wont we saved. Note that “God hates luke-warm Christians” – that was my favourite pearler from last week.<br /><br />Now you can relax and watch the un-saved masses streaming past while you enjoy your drink. You should now be feeling a little more relaxed and can make you way back to your favourite door queue, which I must explain is more of a seemingly un-ordered huddle than an orderly queue.<br /><br />When the doors finally do open you must be quick. Shuffle quickly towards the door making sure not to push infront of anyone but also passively Shepherding or blocking anyone that tries to push in front of you. Now you are onboard, don’t just take the first seat you come to. Go all the way in to the centre and claim your prize. If you’re lucky you will get a forward facing double. All the seats will be filled pretty quickly.<br /><br />If you have taken an aisle seat with a vacant window seat next to you, it is polite to make eye contact with people as all free spaces become scarce so you can offer to move out so they can squeeze in beside you.So off you go. The only problem is at North Melbourne when even more people pile in, including half a dozen seniors or pregnant women. You should then be giving up your seat to them, which of course I always gladly do. Although I must admit that the obesity epidemic combined with the current trend for tight fitting clothes for plus-sized women does leave me in a dilemma.<br /><br />The other day I think there was a pregnant person who had to stand but I wasnt sure whether she was pregnant or just had a belly. Should I have yelled out down the carriage and risk embarassing her or should I have signalled at her and risk her thinking I am scary flirt. Instead I just put my headphones in and changed the song hoping she would ask for a seat if she wanted one, except she didnt ask and the further we went the more I thought she probably was pregnant and not fat because her face was not a fat face. But she was easily 40 plus - but everyone has babies later these days.<br /><br />Aaargh! This is why we need more seats, so I dont have to contemplate other peoples bellies and wrinkles to try and determine who I should be giving my seat to. Of course if chivalry was not dead I would be giving up my seat for every woman and I wouldnt need to think about those sorts of things. Am I alone what should I do?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8347497627091220263-3908706357554870094?l=traincomplainer.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Stevenoreply@blogger.com0