In which I save TfL money

Normally, I'd simply post my return commute as an update to the outward journey.  Today, however, I've decided on a different approach just to who how fair and generous I am.

So my tube was delayed by six minutes coming home, owing to two separate stops between stations (the first because we were being held at a red signal, the second to wait for a platform to become free).  This caused me to miss my connecting train that would complete the journey - despite pegging it up and down stairs and through Wimbledon station.

Now these trains only run every half hour, so in theory that delays me by a total of half an hour and therefore nets me another £75.  However, quick thinking on the part of our hero (that's me, for the hard of understanding) allowed me to take a train to a different destination (Kingston) and then a bus from there to my home.  This meant I only arrived at my destination, which I counted as being as distant from my home as my first-choice rail station, with a delay of 18 minutes (or £45), saving TfL 12 minutes (or £30).


You're welcome TfL!


In the future, I'll go back to a single post for a day's commute in both directions, even in such circumstances.  This highlight was just to demonstrate that I'm doing everything in my power to make my journey as fast as possible despite TfL's inefficiency, and that I'm not cynically trying to maximise my claim at the end of the 12-month period this blog will cover.

Put the kettle on

Two minutes on my way in to work this morning (I took an earlier train to make sure I wouldn't be late, meaning I had to come to work half an hour earlier than necessary: great!)...

Working guy

A one minute delay on the train from Hampton Court to Wimbledon caused me to miss my connecting tube (I was in time to see it pull away from the platform, and while you may correctly point out that I should have known better, bear in mind it's not me who broke the schedule). This would have meant I arrived at my final destination eight minutes later than planned and was consequently a couple of minutes late for my very first day in my new job.

No explanation was offered for the delay. However, my tube train was ALSO delayed by a couple of minutes because, and I quote, "We're going to be held here for a couple of minutes."
Overall, a 10 minute delay for another £25.
Thanks, TfL!


UPDATE: my new boss was delayed on the Metropolitan line for 15 minutes, so he didn't know I was late.  Thanks again, TfL, but you're not off the hook.  Especially as my journey home was delayed by a minute with no explanation given again...