For Barney Wall, a businessman from St. Albans who runs a thriving double glazing business in the Stevenage area, commuting into London by train has long been a part of his daily routine. But in recent years, Barney, like many other regular commuters, has become increasingly frustrated by what he sees as the declining standards of service on British railways. “It feels like a game of roulette every time I step onto the platform,” Barney says. “You never know if the train will be on time, clean, or even running.”
The Business Behind the Commute
Barney Wall runs Ideal Glass, a well-regarded double glazing company serving the Hertfordshire region, including the busy and ever-expanding Stevenage area. Ideal Glass specializes in high-quality window and door installations, offering a variety of materials such as uPVC, aluminium, and timber. His company is known for providing energy-efficient double and triple-glazed windows, designed to help homeowners lower their energy bills while enhancing the look and security of their properties. Additionally, Ideal Glass supplies uPVC and aluminium sliding and bifolding doors, catering to a range of tastes and budgets. FENSA registered and Checkatrade approved, the company has built a reputation for reliability and superior craftsmanship.
Barney’s business, like many in the area, requires him to commute regularly into London for client meetings, supplier negotiations, and other professional engagements. But what used to be a straightforward journey has turned into a logistical headache.
The Everyday Commuter Nightmare
“For years, I’ve been commuting into London,” Barney explains. “But I can say with absolute certainty that in the last five years, the standards of service have gone down dramatically. The trains are overcrowded, often late, and the quality of service has declined.”
Barney’s journey typically involves catching a train from Stevenage to one of the central London stations. What should be a smooth trip often turns into a battle of endurance, with cancelled trains, delayed services, and cramped conditions becoming the norm. “On a good day, it’s barely tolerable. On a bad day, it’s a complete disaster,” he says.
Punctuality Problems
One of the most frequent complaints Barney has, and one that is echoed by commuters across the country, is the punctuality of trains. Official statistics show that delays are on the rise, with many rail companies failing to meet their targets for on-time arrivals. “You plan your day down to the minute when you run a business like mine,” says Barney. “But how can I stick to my schedule when half the time, I’m stuck on a platform waiting for a train that’s been delayed with no explanation?”
In 2023, only about 65% of trains in the UK ran on time, according to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), with some routes, particularly commuter services, performing far worse. The blame has been placed on everything from ageing infrastructure to staff shortages, but for Barney, it feels like a lack of investment and accountability. “It’s frustrating,” he says. “We pay more and more for our tickets, but the service gets worse and worse.”
Overcrowded and Uncomfortable
Even when the trains do run on time, Barney describes the experience of commuting as anything but pleasant. “The trains are so overcrowded, it’s like sardines in a can,” he says. “I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had to stand for the entire journey, and it’s not like we’re travelling for just a few minutes. It’s a good 45-minute trip into London, often longer with delays.”
This overcrowding isn’t just uncomfortable, it can also be dangerous. In some cases, platforms become so packed with waiting passengers that safety becomes a real concern. Yet, despite repeated complaints, rail companies seem unable to address the issue. “I don’t mind paying for a service, but it’s got to be worth what we’re paying,” Barney says. “At the moment, it feels like we’re paying premium prices for a substandard service.”
The Cost of Poor Service
For a businessman like Barney, the impact of unreliable rail services goes beyond mere inconvenience. “Time is money,” he says. “If I’m late for a meeting because my train didn’t show up or was delayed, that’s a potential loss of business. My clients expect me to be professional and punctual, and when I can’t even control something as basic as getting into London on time, it doesn’t reflect well.”
In addition, Barney believes that poor rail service is having a negative impact on the wider economy. “There are thousands of people like me who rely on the trains to get to work, to meet clients, to run their businesses,” he explains. “When the trains are unreliable, it has a ripple effect. People miss meetings, deliveries are delayed, productivity drops.”
The Need for Change
What frustrates Barney the most is the seeming lack of accountability. “We’re told all the time that improvements are being made, but where are they?” he asks. “We hear about new trains, upgraded tracks, better technology – but in reality, it feels like nothing changes.”
Barney is also skeptical about the recent fare increases, which are meant to fund these improvements. “It’s insulting, really. The fares go up, but the service just keeps getting worse. You’d think with the amount of money we’re all paying, they’d be able to at least get the trains running on time.”
The Way Forward
Like many commuters, Barney has suggestions for improving the state of British railways. “We need more investment in infrastructure, more trains running at peak times, and most importantly, better communication when things go wrong,” he says. “It’s not always the delays that frustrate me the most, it’s the not knowing. You can stand on a platform for 20 minutes without a single announcement about why your train is late or when it might arrive.”
Barney also believes that the government and rail companies need to take a long, hard look at how they’re managing the railways. “We need accountability. People are paying a lot of money for a service that isn’t being delivered. That needs to change.”
In the end, Barney’s experience as a regular commuter on British railways reflects the frustrations of many. For the thousands of people who rely on the trains every day, the declining standards of service are more than just an inconvenience – they’re a serious problem that needs addressing. For business owners like Barney Wall, the ability to rely on public transport is crucial, and until significant changes are made, the frustrations will continue to mount.
