In message . com, at
08:54:36 on Sun, 8 Oct 2006, jonmorris remarked:
I wonder what the guards are employed for. Wouldn't they have been
more use patrolling the train (and checking tickets if trained to do
so) rather than just waiting for trouble?

They were in the first class compartment at the end of the train (I'd
seen them come on when we left Kings Cross, and they were with a couple
of other people - possibly guards too, or just mates). They weren't
patrolling anything, let alone checking tickets.

Mind you, the uniformed guards never checked tickets either - but I
wouldn't expect them to as they'd need the relevant paperwork or
equipment.

Those trains don't have guards, and haven't had for a very long time.
Revenue Protection staff patrol a small number of trains, and security
guards were employed by WAGN on late night trains (and were allegedly
withdrawn by FCC, but it's always possible they've reinstated them).
--
Roland Perry