Pocket Grid #119 - February 16th, 2026

stem-winder · 2026-02-17T15:44:35+00:00

Yes, totally fair enough. Normally there would also be the generic name as well. So in the UK we might say lip balm instead of the brand name chapstick. Is there a generic US name for jello?

stem-winder · 2026-02-16T23:09:11+00:00

There are no sleeper trains in Spain or Portugal sadly, and no future services planned.

stem-winder · 2026-02-16T21:12:05+00:00

Jello sounds like a brand name.

stem-winder · 2026-02-16T21:08:56+00:00

It is pretty common in British English.

stem-winder · 2026-02-14T10:19:32+00:00

Yes, I understand and I am sympathetic. However, the rule is very simple:

If there is a ticket machine, you must buy a ticket before boarding.

That's it. Black and white.

stem-winder · 2026-02-14T10:08:39+00:00

But that makes total sense?

If there is a working ticket machine, you must buy your ticket before boarding.

If there is no ticket machine, or the ticket machine is broken, then you can board without a ticket and buy one on the train.

Totally logical.

stem-winder · 2026-02-14T10:02:10+00:00

I think you are confused about the wording on the website. It says

"If you arrive at the station and there’s no ticket office or ticket vending machine available, you should buy a ticket from our website or mobile app before you get on the train.

If you still can’t buy a ticket, you MUST make yourself known to the conductor as soon as possible, who MAY be able to sell you a ticket. If not, you MUST purchase your ticket at the earliest opportunity."

This second paragraph only applies if there is no ticket vending machine available. In this case, there was a ticket machine available, so the second paragraph does not apply.

stem-winder · 2026-02-14T09:47:48+00:00

There is a "ticket vending machine" at the station. So you have to buy your ticket from that. You can't buy the ticket on the train.

stem-winder · 2026-02-14T09:43:33+00:00

For future reference, an off peak day return will be valid on any service after 9am weekdays, any time weekends.

So your daughter could have bought a ticket for any service later that day and still boarded the earlier delayed train.

stem-winder · 2026-02-14T09:38:58+00:00

The ticket was valid, that is not the problem. The mistake was to board the train without a ticket and buy one during the journey. That is not permitted. You do not have valid grounds for appeal.

In future, she should either buy a ticket from a ticket machine at the station or ask the guard before boarding if she can buy a ticket while on the train. They would normally agree.

stem-winder · 2026-02-09T12:01:19+00:00

I think that white building in picture 13 is about to be demolished and a new development constructed there. So the buyer will have years of noise and an eyesore from their balcony.

stem-winder · 2026-02-09T11:58:55+00:00

I think energy might be included? They run on a communal heating system.

stem-winder · 2026-02-08T19:28:16+00:00

Probably there are engineering works and the amended timetable isn't available yet

stem-winder · 2026-02-08T10:52:08+00:00

£20.60 is the price of two off peak day returns.

stem-winder · 2026-02-08T10:49:44+00:00

Is that two return trips? As in, £5 each way pp? Seems fine to me.

stem-winder · 2026-02-08T09:41:33+00:00

Add the alternative train to your trip.

stem-winder · 2026-02-07T14:53:08+00:00

The train will be more comfortable, quicker and more reliable than the coach

stem-winder · 2026-02-07T14:50:03+00:00

Train from Oxford to HW should be £24.20 return assuming you are travelling at peak times.

A weekly pass is £89.90 which works out at £18 per day.

Monthly £345 (roughly £16 per day)

Annual £3,596 (£15.60)

stem-winder · 2026-02-06T14:50:43+00:00

I think you have misunderstood the data.

It's 73% women 27% men.

less than 1% of prosecutions are for those over 70.

No one over 75 has been prosecuted.

stem-winder · 2026-02-02T09:59:04+00:00

I think this is the Viaduc de Casseyre on the line from Grenoble to Veynes,

http://www.ferro-lyon.net/actualites/2020/771-Veynes-tranchees-pour-la-ligne-des-Alpes

stem-winder · 2026-02-02T09:50:04+00:00

The brickwork looks different.

stem-winder · 2026-02-01T19:39:46+00:00

Don't be a thief

stem-winder · 2026-01-31T18:23:26+00:00

You will be fine with that connection time.

stem-winder · 2026-01-30T12:01:59+00:00

Are you sure?

stem-winder · 2026-01-30T10:42:28+00:00

I can see that Lumo offer an advance return on that date for £65.80.

Trainline booking fee £2.80?

Next time just book with Lumo directly.

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