Countrylink website.

["MattyQ" <matticue@corplink.com.au>]

I just visited the Countrystink website and I am truly amazed. Here is why:-

"....a warm and friendly atmosphere and a journey in comfort are all
trademarks of travelling with Countrylink".

Really? There must be two Countrylink's because the one I've travelled with
doesn't have this.

"Once aboard, the most you'll have to do is decide which snacks, meals or
refreshments you'd like to enjoy. "

Enjoy? I'm still trying to decide which one is fit for consumption.

"Our on-board crews are trained to help make your journey an enjoyable one,"

(Rolling on floor laughing my butt off, tears streaming down my face!!)

"Our ergonomically designed seats feature armrests that can be neatly folded
upwards to give you even more room to move. "

Of course, if you do, the recliner lever will dig into your leg, especially
if you are a big person.

"First class seats feature a reclining back which is infinitely adjustable
from the upright position to a 40 degrees recline. Economy class seats
recline from the upright position to 28 degrees."

Wow!! $38 for an extra 12 degrees of recline and nothing else (based on a
single fare from Sydney to Brisbane) . Bargain......NOT!!

"...our climate-controlled air-conditioning ..."

Which climate, Gibson Desert?

The best part about the website (for them) is no opportunity to email them
with comments. My recent experience (or should I say ordeal) with
Countrylink has forced the decision that I will never travel on an Xplorer
or sitting class on an XPT ever again. The only acceptable journey I have
ever had with Countrylink is in the overpriced sleeper on the XPT. Isn't it
amazing the difference copious amounts of money makes.

On my recent journey from Sydney to Canberra, I booked about 2 months in
advance and paid CASH. I got a crap aisle seat with no view whatsoever. On
boarding the train, I found that myself and 2 others must have been the only
people who actually paid cash for our tickets (as opposed to coupons). I
can't speak for the others but the treatment I got was appalling. At one
stage, I needed assistance and the PSS wasn't in the slightest bit
interested. In fact, every time I spoke to him, he gave me a dirty look.

I am absolutely astonished that this company stays in business. Most
business's will do almost anything to improve their service. These people
couldn't give a damn. At least that's the attitude they demonstrated to me.