Re: Relayed By Bus (Was XPT delayed by bomb search)

["Ron BEST" <ronbest@bigpond.com>]

Paul Hogan wrote in message <3667d096.0@139.134.5.33>...
>dbromage@fang.omni.com.au (David Bromage) writes: > Michael Van Baast
(vanbaast@acay.com.au) wrote:
>> > > I suspect the now late running XPT will terminate at Albury.
>> > >
>> > i find this hard to beleive, i would personally ask for my money back
if
>> > they ran a coach or subbed a v/line service
>>
>> It's been done before when the XPT has been running late or the line was
>> blocked. Check the conditions on your ticket - the operator is entitled
to
>> alter the mode of transport without notice.
>
>I had an experience many years back on the (then) Southern Aurora.
>We were woken at Albury at 0430,and given 15 minutes to dress, pack and
>board a bus for Melbourne,due to the line being blocked by a derailment
>at (of all places) Violet Town.

That would, presumably, be the head-on betw the SA and a freight on about
6th Feb, 1969. I went through on the ICD on the 8th. Still had bits of
S-class bodywork lying around. Not a pretty sight.
>
>Instead of the anticipated leisurely breakfast in the dining car,it was a
>15 minute scramble at a greasy roadhouse at Euroa, competing
>with about four other busloads.  The coffee and food was so bad it
>was almost up to XPT catering standards!  :-)
>
>I agree with David, the operator has to take steps in an emergency
>to get passengers to their destination quickly - particularly
>if it's due to factors beyond their immediate control.
>It's just a pity that in great railway tradition, common courtesy to
passengers
>often seems to  be the first casualty in the ensuing rush.
>
>Cheers,
>
>Paul Hogan