The one thing you are certain of is a speedy journey and a train which will arrive on time, to the second. How does this compare to the Virgin service from the Lake District to London. The answer depends on which end of the train you travel on. “Standard class” can be pretty hellish when the train is busy, which is most of the time. On the other hand, First Class beats the bullet train hands down. It’s also a lot cheaper, provided that you buy your tickets in advance. In First, you get very comfortable seats with lots of room, a table, a plug for your laptop, free wi-fi and free tea, coffee, alcoholic drinks and good quality snacks. There’s also a buffet car. Since the line was upgraded the journey from the Lake District to London is only 2 and a 1/2 hours and is always on time.
What of the legendary time-keeping of the bullet rain, having in mind that a train was derailed last year, killing 67 passengers because the driver was trying to make good a delay of 27 seconds? The answer is that bullet trains are at the mercy of the elements like everyone else. On this trip we were delayed twice (by a typhoon and after hitting a deer) and another train was cancelled. I love the shinkansen, but give me Virgin any time. The photos shows cleaners waiting to board a shinkansen.
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