My experience with the staff at this…
My experience with the staff at this station was incredibly unpleasant and disappointing. Both the personnel at the information kiosk on the upper floor and the office outside the station left me with a lasting negative impression. I strongly advise against stopping at this station if you can avoid it, as the staff were consistently rude and unhelpful. Their indifference and haughty demeanor made any interaction with them incredibly frustrating.
Unfortunately, my car broke down on the motorway today, and I had to rely on an AA to transport me to the nearest car repair shop near Taplow station. My destination was Bristol, so I needed to purchase a ticket from Taplow station. However, I encountered an issue when I discovered that the ticket machine was out of service. In response, I purchased a ticket for Bristol online, but this required changing trains at the Reading station, which involved a 33-minute wait.
Upon arriving at Reading station, I realized that my mobile phone battery was critically low, potentially causing problems with boarding the next train or finding my way around Bristol. Concerned, I approached the information kiosk on the top floor of the station for assistance or guidance. I showed my valid ticket to the attendant and asked for help. To my astonishment, the attendant responded with condescension, insisting that he was not responsible for charging my phone and dismissively claiming that it was not his concern because I had purchased the ticket online. His treatment of me was so disrespectful that it garnered disapproval from other passengers who witnessed the exchange. Frankly, I remain perplexed by the unwarranted rudeness and arrogance displayed.
Following the advice of fellow passengers, I sought assistance at the train station office adjacent to the station building. To my dismay, I encountered a similar attitude from the lady in charge. She addressed me in a scolding manner, as if I were a disobedient child, offering unsolicited advice about maintaining my phone battery and how to manage my life. I was deeply frustrated and bewildered. I was a middle-aged individual facing an emergency situation, in possession of a valid ticket and a Disabled Persons Railcard. I was seeking help and guidance, and the response I received was utterly unacceptable.
Finally, I arrived in Bristol by train, but as I exited the Bristol station, my phone completely ran out of battery power, and I found myself unable to open the station's exit door. I immediately contacted station personnel and recounted the entire ordeal. Regrettably, I was informed that my only option was to purchase another ticket. However, after a discussion with a higher-ranking official, they eventually allowed me to leave the station on the condition that I return and present them with proof of my purchased ticket after recharging my phone.
In conclusion, I leave it to your judgment, but I strongly recommend avoiding Reading station at all costs. Furthermore, based on my experience, online ticketing may not always be reliable.
September 28, 2023
Unprompted review