These BR Class 142 "Pacer" railbuses were originally introduced by BR in the 1980s in an attempt at cutting costs on branchlines. Being as cut-rate as they are (like most railbuses), they have sometimes been rated by railway magazines as the most hated rail vehicles in Britain, although Im not clear on where they got their survey data. Im just thankful to have rail transport, although I would agree that they ride rough, theyre slow (75 m.p.h.), theyre loud, theyre a little bit cramped, the seats are crude, and they arent always kept clean (although this isnt a result of the design). I rode this one, now Arriva #142072, to Cardiff from Barry. |