Female, 50
22 November 2014
Listen to interview
Have you ever travelled by train?
Yes, I have.
Is it an occasional or regular experience?
Occasional to rare.
What is the purpose of your travel?
I only travel by train to London for sightseeing, meeting people and occasionally to go on a course for work.
Have you ever travelled by train just for the experience - for the journey not just the destination?
Yes I have, I have travelled by train across Canada. It was a 2-day journey from Calgary to Victoria in Vancouver. It was amazing.
I have also travelled by train to the French alps - a train from London to Paris and then a train to the resort.
Do you enjoy travelling by train?
Yes, because I don’t do it on a regular basis. If I was to commute every day I don’t think I would enjoy it as much because if I do go up for business or on a train at rush hour, it is a more stressful experience.
Would you say that train travel is a romantic experience?
It can be. It depends on what the journey is set up to be - if it is part of a holiday, the service and comfort has been tailored to create an experience. If the purpose is simply to get somewhere the experience is very different.
What do you think of the architecture of train stations? Do you notice it? How does it make you feel?
I don’t go to enough train stations to appreciate the architecture. But I notice a clear difference between our local village train station and London stations and think it is very much part of the experience.
Do you have a memorable train journey experience - either good or bad?
I don’t remember any negative experience apart from the occasional missed stop or when I used to travel with young children! - There were just so many bags. I particularly remember trying to sleep on a train from Paris to St Anton and finding that really difficult on a tiny bed.
Male, 54
21 November 2014
Listen to interview
Have you ever travelled by train?
Yes.
Is it an occasional or regular experience?
I travel every 2 or 3 weeks.
What is the purpose of your travel?
Mainly its business related to get to London.
Have you ever travelled by train just for the experience - for the journey not just the destination?
We've taken kids on steam railways for a day out. Otherwise trips we’ve taken abroad were memorable but were still used to get from A to B.
Do you enjoy travelling by train?
I enjoy it when it is not too crowded and I enjoy it because you can do some work on the train that you couldn’t if you were driving.
Would you say that train travel is a romantic experience?
I can be - I don’t think all train travel is romantic. The utility travel to work is obviously not but I think there is great opportunity for romance on the train.
What do you think of the architecture of train stations? Do you notice it? How does it make you feel?
It is something I have noticed, especially in places like London. I think all London train stations are quite extensive and impressive particularly St Pancras with the hotel incorporated, but also abroad such a Kuala Lumpar's station that has a very spectacular facade and is located next to a large green area where they play cricket.
However, in a station it always seems to be stressful constantly checking the time, looking when you’re train is going to go and there is a lot of rushing around and everyone seems to be panicking. I wouldn’t go there by choice to spend leisure time.
Do you have a memorable train journey experience - either good or bad?
I can remember one that was particularly bad. We were travelling from Bangkok to Surat Tahini and in hindsight we had some food at Bangkok station that must have been off. It was an overnight train, we got in our bunks and after about an hour I started to get a stomachache that got worse and worse until I felt really sick. There were toilets on the train but they were just a hole in the ground and it really really stank - just the sight and the smell of it made me throw up! This continually happen for the next few hours and I will always remember it being a particularly unpleasant journey.
INTERVIEWS
Male, 28
22 November 2014
Listen to interview
Have you ever travelled by train?
Yes, I have.
Is it an occasional or regular experience?
Regular.
What is the purpose of your travel?
Commuting to work.
Have you ever travelled by train just for the experience - for the journey not just the destination?
I have once. When I went down to Torquay we were doing a tour around Devon and we went on a steam train towards Dartmouth. It was fun, very different from the public transport in London.
Do you enjoy travelling by train?
To be honest, it’s just a faster way of commuting to work and back. I’ve never had a negative experience but at the same time I wouldn’t go on a train just for the fun of it.
Would you say that train travel is a romantic experience?
Not for me personally, but for other people I can see why it is.
What do you think of the architecture of train stations? Do you notice it? How does it make you feel?
Some stations are impressive and have great facilities. Even when they are crowded they still function effectively and are easy to navigate. I find underground stations can be stressful when they are overcrowded making it not a very enjoyable experience.
Do you have a memorable train journey experience - either good or bad?
I had a really good experience heading down to Taunton, Somerset with my daughter. It was really peaceful passing by the farms and seeing the animals.
Female, 31
22 November 2014
Listen to interview
Have you ever travelled by train?
Yes.
Is it an occasional or regular experience?
Regular.
What is the purpose of your travel?
I use the train most days to get to work and for long journeys to visit family.
Have you ever travelled by train just for the experience - for the journey not just the destination?
I'm sure that when I was young I went on a steam train, but now in the modern day no. If there was a new amazing train experience that you could get across London, I might try it out.
Do you enjoy travelling by train?
It depends, if your travelling to visit family and it not rush hour then it can e relaxing and enjoyable but on a day to day basis its horrible because its too crowded, there’s not enough seating and people can be quite rude.
Would you say that train travel is a romantic experience?
I’ve had a couple of train journeys with my husband - it was exciting going off on an adventure somewhere whether it was to see family or go out for the day. It’s a sense of space and togetherness with your partner, so it can be romantic.
What do you think of the architecture of train stations? Do you notice it? How does it make you feel?
I think the main thing I would notice about a train station is space - whether it is big or small. For example London Bridge is not a very nice station, there is not very much space and there are little tunnels going on to all the platforms which makes it seem very confusing and stressful, whereas big stations such as King's Cross and Waterloo are much nicer in terms of space. Most stations in London are stressful but I have met people for a coffee in Euston because of the way its laid out with the coffee shops in a different space to where people are waiting.
Do you have a memorable train journey experience - either good or bad?
I enjoyed travelling by the Eurostar. I also used to go down to Devon by train and they used to have screens similar to airplanes so I could watch a film, which was great!
Male, 18
23 November 2014
Listen to interview
Have you ever travelled by train?
Yes.
Is it an occasional or regular experience?
Occasional.
What is the purpose of your travel?
Normally just to go to London. I drive most places but it tends to be cheaper to get the train into London so that you don’t have to pay congestion charges and parking.
Have you ever travelled by train just for the experience - for the journey not just the destination?
When I was a kid, I went on the Watercress line with the Thomas the Tank Engine experience. I think I've been on trains on holidays in other countries; they seem to be more scenic.
Do you enjoy travelling by train?
Yeah, it’s relaxing. You can get your laptop or your phone out which you cant when you’re driving.
Would you say that train travel is a romantic experience?
It can be, not always. When you are commuting especially in England - not at all. Whereas in Europe and parts of America that still have traditional trains - it can be. Steam trains - yes. Commuter trains, bullet trains and the underground - no.
What do you think of the architecture of train stations? Do you notice it? How does it make you feel?
I do look at the design of the buildings - I love how it’s such an open space. When you get off the train at Waterloo, it’s such a grand and massive space that I think reflects London as the first thing you see. When its peak times, stations can be really stressful particularly on the underground - you have to get in the London mind set and get from A to B as quickly as possible.
Do you have a memorable train journey experience - either good or bad?
Nothing stands out. I finding changing trains stressful - I once was trying to get from Guildford to Bentley and ended up in Reading.
Interview with Paul White:
Orient Express Chief Executive
What is it about train travel that evokes a sense of romance and nostalgia, and what is the mystique and allure of trains? Who better to ask than the chief executive of the Orient-Express, the iconic hotel on wheels and arguably the ultimate train ride?
Authors such as Agatha Christie have contributed to the romance and worldwide success of luxury cross-country train travel. As a once in a lifetime event, these journeys hold opposite associations to the every-day train services we experience every day.
When asked whether they thought train travel was romantic, the majority of interviewees viewed that it could be in experiences such as the Orient Express, but it wasn't something that they personally were aware of.
TRAIN TRAVEL - THE EXPERTS
TRAIN TRAVEL - THE PUBLIC
Train Confessions:
Interviews with Real Passengers on Amtrack
Published on Feb 20, 2014
Episode 6, Get Lost on Amtrak Series. Kelley takes the Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Many passengers view the Amtrack as an experience in itself: they use the journey to start an exciting trip or unwind on their way home.
General views are that it is a 'comfortable' and 'fun' way to travel where you get to see part of the country that you wouldn't see by road and a chance to meet new people.
Many of the answers are similar to those I obtained from the British public that use train travel occasionally. Those that regularly commuted to work by train have a tainted view of the rail.
Female, 21
28 December 2014
Have you ever travelled by train?
Yes.
Is it an occasional or regular experience?
Regular.
What is the purpose of your travel?
Business and to visit friends.
Have you ever travelled by train just for the experience - for the journey not just the destination?
No.
Do you enjoy travelling by train?
Depends on the situation, in rush hour no! But if the train is empty then it can be quite relaxing.
Would you say that train travel is a romantic experience?
I understand why people can think it is but for me personally no. Daily commuting has ruined this feeling for me.
What do you think of the architecture of train stations? Do you notice it? How does it make you feel?
I think the architecture can be amazing such as St Pancras and Marylebone. Normally when I'm in a station I'm in a rush so quite stressed.
Do you have a memorable train journey experience - either good or bad?
Ive had a few bad ones with trains being delay or cancelled. But normally they are quite good.
Female, 65
28 December 2014
Have you ever travelled by train?
Yes have travelled by train.
Is it an occasional or regular experience?
An occasional experience.
What is the purpose of your travel?
Pleasure , quite often to London for the theatre.
Have you ever travelled by train just for the experience - for the journey not just the destination?
yes, each time on old steam train lines - Haworth line Yorkshire, Bluebell line & of course the Watercress line!
Do you enjoy travelling by train?
Yes I enjoy train travel because you get to see a different parts of the countryside to that travelled by car. I prefer it for long journeys rather than driving, the old advert of ' let the train take the strain' is very true. Also if I take a trip with Trev we can both enjoy the scenery no one needs to concentrate on driving or navigating. Plus no parking problems at the other end!
Would you say that train travel is a romantic experience?
Not the bog standard A to B stuff (unless the object of travel was to be with/visit an 'object' of romance, some dishy hunk!) but there is a romantic aspect to steam train travel because it harks back to a bygone era, when one believes things to have been 'better', quite often involving childhood.
What do you think of the architecture of train stations? Do you notice it? How does it make you feel?
Old railway stations a 'romanticism' to them, as if one was in the movie 'The Railway children' - just love the ending with the father coming out of the steam! Ah! Modern stations rather ugly even if functional, very noisy, & a sense of tension in the air because of it.
Do you have a memorable train journey experience - either good or bad?
a) As a child on a line in Kent at night when returning from visiting friends of my parents & there was an enormous storm that caused a landslide onto the track closing a tunnel. We had to get out & walk along the track into the station! I was petrified! Outside passed streets of flooded houses?
b) Trev & I went by train from Milan North to the Lake Como & on another occasion south from Milan to Florence. Just beautiful both times, stunning scenery.
Female, 22
22 November 2014
Have you ever travelled by train?
I have travelled by train.
Is it an occasional or regular experience?
For a while it was regular but now it is occasional (few times a month maximum).
What is the purpose of your travel?
Now it is usually personal to visit friends and family.
Have you ever travelled by train just for the experience - for the journey not just the destination?
I prefer the train to buses because I get a tiny bit travel sick on buses while trains affect me less.
Do you enjoy travelling by train?
Depends on where you are travelling to. A lot of the time you get some nice country views. It is usually a smooth journey which I prefer to other transport.
Would you say that train travel is a romantic experience?
Old steam trains I would say are romantic becuase it reminds me of the times of courtship. Not the modern ones.
What do you think of the architecture of train stations? Do you notice it? How does it make you feel?
The large modern stations can be stressful especially when you are changing trains and there are so many platforms - then you have to find a board to tell you the platform you need! If there isn't much time between changes this is stressful. I do feel excited when visiting friends and family because it is the beginning of a trip but I wouldn't say it's the station that does that. As for the architecture I again like the older smaller stations. The bigger stations have got some new aspects but the shell always looks old - like in Waterloo and Paddington the big shells make it feel spacious which is nice but sometimes it makes it feel dirty because of the material of the roof.
Do you have a memorable train journey experience - either good or bad?
I like the old steam train in Swanage as I used to do that as a child. But other than that I wouldn't say any particular journey is memorable in any special way other than I've done it so many times.
Female, 21
4th January 2015
Have you ever travelled by train?
Yes.
Is it an occasional or regular experience?
Regular - daily.
What is the purpose of your travel?
Work.
Have you ever travelled by train just for the experience - for the journey not just the destination?
Yes - a steam train.
Do you enjoy travelling by train?
No I don't enjoy travelling by train - very busy and always delays/signal failures. Only good thing is that you don't have to think and can relax.
Would you say that train travel is a romantic experience?
No - reminds me with work.
What do you think of the architecture of train stations? Do you notice it? How does it make you feel?
Most are airy and spacious - those that are dark with low ceilings and small make you feel overcrowded. In a station I feel rushed and want to get to where I am going.
Do you have a memorable train journey experience - either good or bad?
Not in particular.
Female, 49
4th January 2015
Have you ever travelled by train?
Yes.
Is it an occasional or regular experience?
Occasional.
What is the purpose of your travel?
Pleasure. Visiting people or places.
Have you ever travelled by train just for the experience - for the journey not just the destination?
No
Do you enjoy travelling by train?
Yes. Love looking out the window at the scenery (and nosing into people’s gardens)
Would you say that train travel is a romantic experience?
Depends on who you’re travelling with. JHonestly I think it depends on whether you are travelling on the train or merely using it to get somewhere i.e. is it the journey or the destination that is the point.
What do you think of the architecture of train stations? Do you notice it? How does it make you feel?
Love the architecture of the big London stations and there is definitely a buzz of excitement/ anticipation. Small stations are dull and utilitarian and have no atmosphere at all.
Do you have a memorable train journey experience - either good or bad?
Sleeper train from London to Inverness. My 16 month daughter asleep in a “nest” of blankets on the floor. Checked on her at 3 in the morning only to see she had disappeared – panic! Turned out that the cornering movement of the train had caused the “nest” and its contents to slide completely under the bunk!
To understand the experience of travelling by train in the 21st century and find out whether it is still considered a romantic affair, I have interviewed members of the public and sort out experts within the railway industry to further my research.
The public has been asked about their purpose of travel, association of romance and journey experience.
Male, 68
12th January 2015
Have you ever travelled by train?
Yes I have travelled by train.
Is it an occasional or regular experience?
Nowadays it is infrequent but during my working life was a regular need.
What is the purpose of your travel?
Since retiring travel has been for pleasure, mostly to London for theatre or shopping!
When I was working in London train travel was a necessity (commuting to and from work). On occasion work took me further afield in the UK and I was then travelling for business.
Have you ever travelled by train just for the experience - for the journey not just the destination?
Yes, mostly on the heritage lines where the steam train is the main attraction - bygone times and childhood memories.
Do you enjoy travelling by train?
Nowadays I can tolerate train travel better than when I was commuting. Everything seemed a rush when working, time was of the essence. These days it is less so, because time is less of a concern.
Would you say that train travel is a romantic experience?
Certainly when I was using trains to get to and fro for work I would say NOT! If it is a conscious decision to go by train for vacation or a special train service like the Orient Express then I would say yes.
What do you think of the architecture of train stations? Do you notice it? How does it make you feel?
As a child going on holiday it was an exciting time. Getting older and travelling by train to work it became the proverbial “bun fight” to get a seat and then stations flashed by whilst reading the paper (most people kept themselves to them selves then) until it was time to alight in London. The architecture was “just another station” Now I think with more time and less stress I notice them more and look for the differences in design features.
Do you have a memorable train journey experience - either good or bad?
Hilary and I had a lovely trip from Milan to Florence and back and we were very aware of the differences in station and train design compared to England.
Female, 21
12th January 2015
Have you ever travelled by train?
Yes.
Is it an occasional or regular experience?
Fairly regularly - once/twice a month.
What is the purpose of your travel?
Either visiting friends/ family or going for a weekend away.
Have you ever travelled by train just for the experience - for the journey not just the destination?
Don't think so.
Do you enjoy travelling by train?
I enjoy it more than other forms of travel because the journey normally goes quite smoothly and I find it quite relaxing.
Would you say that train travel is a romantic experience?
Would say it's quite romantic because of the reasons given above.
What do you think of the architecture of train stations? Do you notice it? How does it make you feel?
Differs from station to station but they're often placed in quite impressive buildings with interesting historic architecture which adds to the romantic feel of travelling by train. Sometimes feel a little anxious but normally quite calm/ excited.
Do you have a memorable train journey experience - either good or bad?
Not that I can think of - sorry!
Female, 50
20th January 2015
Have you ever travelled by train?
Yes.
Is it an occasional or regular experience?
Occasionally.
What is the purpose of your travel?
Visiting London to sightsee or visiting Cornwall or Scotland to visit friends.
Have you ever travelled by train just for the experience - for the journey not just the destination?
Yes.
Do you enjoy travelling by train?
Yes.. Relaxing. Enjoy looking at the scenery. Enjoy the thinking time. Have met some interesting people.
Would you say that train travel is a romantic experience?
Not really!
What do you think of the architecture of train stations? Do you notice it? How does it make you feel?
Stations are often functional in appearance and not pleasing to the eye. Often appear dirty. I normally feel really excited when I’m catching a train as I’m usually going somewhere that I am looking forward to. I only feel stressed if I think I’m going to miss my train. I love travelling by train.
Do you have a memorable train journey experience - either good or bad?
Good experience. 8 hour train journey across Sri Lanka with amazing scenery and met some wonderful people. Bad experience. Sat next to a drunken man who wouldn’t stop asking me questions very loudly all the way from Edinburgh to York!
Video 12
Video 13