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Simon Burns, rail minister, on the train for a change

  • 10-01-2013 09:23PM
    #1
    CIE
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,463 ✭✭✭


    Usually takes a chauffeur-driven Toyota Aventis, which costs the public £80K (€95K) per annum. Got shamed into riding the train by a front-page editorial. (And he can still claim train fares against his expenses.)

    Daily Telegraph
    Leaving his end of terrace house at 5.30am without any official papers, Mr Burns walked through the freezing cold and near-deserted streets to Chelmsford station.

    Despite glancing at his watch, he narrowly missed the 5.40am train, which left on time, as he stopped to buy a newspaper. ...

    When the East Anglia train pulled in, Mr Burns joined the other passengers in a civilised queue to board, with no hint of the pushing and shoving that is often seen on some commuter routes.

    The train — typical in its age and general grubbiness — was close to capacity. There were no free seats in standard class. Rather than take a seat in First Class, which carried only six passengers, the MP stood in the vestibule with four other passengers between two carriages near to the closed buffet bar. ...

    The journey cost £34 for a day travelcard, which includes tube travel, £25.70 for a day return, or £43.50 for a First Class day return. ...


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