Some time ago I posted a blog about the announcements at Farringdon station, served by both London Underground trains and Thameslink trains between Gatwick and Luton airports.

The issue then was that Blackfriars underground station was closed for major reconstruction work and the London Underground station announcers were advising people to use the Circle Line underground stations on either side. However, Thameslink trains run direct to Blackfriars, and would be a much quicker way of getting to where people wanted to go.

Shortly after posting that blog, the announcements changed. Coincidence?

Then, much more recently, I posted a blog about lazy announcements for First Capital Connect's Thameslink services operated by class 377 units. The recorded announcement was to the effect that First Class facilities were at the front and back of the train - ignoring the fact that, if it was an 8-coach train, they were also available in the middle. I made the point that some people might prefer the middle of the train.

Coming home yesterday from St. Pancras, I noticed that the overhead station departure notices took account of this - they said 'First class front, middle and rear'.

Coincidence? Or does someone from First Capital Connect actually read this blog and take notice?

If they do, they can have another challenge.

Some of the seats in the standard class accommodation have armrests which can be raised or lowered. Some of the seats are in groups of 4, so there are two sets of seats back-to-back in places - convenient, because there is luggage space between the seats. However, the armrests can be a nuisance here if they are raised - if passengers are standing (and they do, because these trains have fewer seats than those they are replacing), it is very uncomfortable leaning against two raised arm-rests!