Day 39 – A picture is worth 1,000 words aka How to read a train map

When you arrive at the train terminal, there is always a hubbub of activity.  But it is relatively easy to find information about your train.  Like an airport, there is a large information board where you locate your destination and determine what platform your train will depart from.  However, sometimes they don’t post the platform number until about 5 minutes before the train arrives, which leads to a mad rush to that platform.  Also, sometimes your final destination is not the final destination of the train.  So, you need to know where your train is going to make sure it is “calling at” (stopping at) your station.

Once at the platform, you can find more specifics about your train.  Here is an example, pay attention to the scrolling line at the bottom, and the changing letters right above that.

·       This train is the 11:15 train to London Euston and it is on time.

·       It is “calling at” five stations ending at London Euston at 1:20pm.

·       The host company is the Avanti West Coast Service.

·       There are 11 coaches and the front of the train is to the right.

·       Coaches G, H, J, and K are first class.

·       Coaches A, B, C, D, E, F, and U are economy.

·       Coach A is for people with bicycles and Coach C has the food and drink

·       Coaches C, U, and G are for people who do not have reserved seats and they appear to be completely empty.

·       Coaches B, E, and F are full, so don’t try to find an unreserved seat on them.

       And finally, Coach A is the “quiet” coach, meaning no talking and no cell phone usage.

·       Oh, and the current time is 10:47:50