Homeward bound....

Since Tuesday I've been working in Milan during the day and in Vigevano at night. On the surface this should be an ideal arrangement but, as with all things, there is a fly in the ointment.

In this case the fly is big, made of metal and often disinclined to do it's job. I'm talking about the train service to Milan. There are only about three trains during the peak hours and outside that they run once an hour. In the morning, when being on time is really important, they seem to be regularly cancelled or late, and in the afternoon, when it really doesn't matter as much they usually leave smack on time. Also, even once the train has left the station, there is no guarantee that it will arrive at the other end on time (in fact, you can almost guarantee it will arrive late).

The people of Vigevano have been complaining about the poor service for many, many years and for an almost equal number of years, the train company has promised to put in a second line. I've been told they are actually building this line now but no-one has any hopes of it being operational soon.

One interesting incident which I think illustrates just how annoyed the passengers have become is that about three weeks ago, the passengers went on strike! A train had left Vigevano approximately on time but had stopped at Abiategrasso for some reason. The passengers on that day had had enough. They got off the train, and congregated on the line, stopping the trains in both directios from going any where. I don't know if the passengers achieved anything but it certain relieved some of the tensions.