Today I had a productive day and completed all I needed at 3:10pm and so decided that I would take a relaxed approach home. Was early for even the early train to Shellharbour, but decided to get on the one that we normally get as it is typically a push for Bobbie to get the early train due to her reliance on Sydney Buses (who also fail to run to their schedule). Anyway, I was on the platform at 4:00pm for a train departing at 5:12pm. The tale of woe was about to begin!
A train pulled in, completely empty and the usual geriatric model that frequents the long haul runs for NSW residents, itself a disgrace. I thought I will jump on, even though it is mega early, and get out of the cold air. So I had a pick of the seats and settled on a gold seat, or so I thought.
10 minutes later the train went from empty to resembling one those Indian trains you see in B grade movies. You know the ones where the white actor is confronted by a chicken or goat invading their personal space. At this point I thought that perhaps something was up, but decided to wait for the voice over that should occur just before the doors closing and the train embarking on its journey. Foolish me!
Yes, the CityRail driver/guard decided to put standard practice to one side to get the train going. Doors shut and we were off. 2 minutes after the train leaving the station the voice of doom announced the train was going to Mount Victoria, completely and utterly the wrong way for me! I thought perhaps, just perhaps, this experience would have a reasonable end with a stop at Redfern. No such luck, first stop Strathfield.
So after my 20 minute ride in the wrong direction I disembarked a bit more than a tad miffed. Looked up at the board of the adjoining platform and thought oh great salvation is at hand with a train scheduled to head back to Central in 4 minutes. That would give me enough time to get to my desired service. So I found a spot out of the icy breeze and waited.
With less than 2 minutes before this train was to depart the platform (yes depart) a second voice of doom came across announcing that in their “wisdom” the service had changed platforms. Even if I was an Olympic sprinter, not a grand master fat bastard, I would have struggled to make it. So I looked up at the board again and saw the next train was 16 minutes away that would put me on a close intercept course at Redfern if I was lucky.
Well today is not my lucky day with rail travel. As the service I was begrudgingly on pulled in at Redfern my desired service pulled out of the platform opposite! I decided to stay on to Central and am now on an alternative South Coast service, atleast until such time as the incompetents at CityRail decide to cancel this service.
I have now lost yet another hour of my already limited personal time! Thankyou ShittyRail for once again bending me over the table and spreading my cheeks wider than a Hum Vee’s bonnet!
