Assuming you are asking a real question, lets put it into perspective. Somewhere around 30,000 trains run every day on the rail network in Britain. A vast array of train types, from slow, heavy freight carrying all types of things, right up to the fastest of high-speed passenger services share the same network. Safety is at an all time high, on time figures (around 91%) are at an all time high, passenger satisfaction (measured independently) is at an all time high and number of trains run are at an all time high.

I challenge you, Sir, to research into certain railways on the asian or southern american continents, and tell me if you think you would prefer a journey on one such network instead of ours.

Regarding the news article, I read it this morning. I fully understand how unendingly awful it is to be stuck on a train a stone’s throw from your destination – i’ve been there before! The matter of the fact is, passengers are not allowed to walk on the track, and it is an illegal offence, for a good reason.

That reason (although the UK public’s arrogance prevents them accepting this truth) is their OWN safety. The train operating companies and Network Rail do not enjoy trains being late, or holding passengers up for hours. The bottom line is, if you let fifty people climb off a train and wander around the rails, how can you guarantee their safety from other train movements, electrified overhead lines, third rails etc? You can’t. Thats why they had to be forced to stay on the train.

Please remember that the media do NOT look to provide you with the truth, especially when it comes to the railways. The railways are, and always have been, an easy target. 30,000 trains run on time with everybody happy and nobody notices. One is delayed and its major news. Bad news sells. Fact.