Comments on: Tony Blair ‘Caught Riding Without a Ticket’

By: Triumph

Triumph — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:48:00 +0000

Yeah, John--I've taken it many times. The last time I lucked out--with the weak US peso I was short on cash and was planning to take the Tube out to Heathrow, but they were doing track work and gave airport-goers a free ride on the Express instead.

The only disadvantage was that I was unable to get my deposit back on the Oyster Card--which rests, to this day, useless in my wallet.

By: John Burgess

John Burgess — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:48:11 +0000

Triumph: The Heathrow Express is not only 1/3-1/2 cheaper than a limo, it takes 1/3-1/2 the time. The A4, the main route west from London, is not a nice piece of roadwork. It runs through those 'villages' that comprise Greater London and there are traffic circles and stop lights along a good portion of it.

The Express serves all four (maybe now, all five) Heathrow terminals, so it's actually very convenient. It runs from Paddington Station, with (depending on the time) a stop in Hanwell and sometimes Southhall, but usually it's non-stop.

It's cheaper yet (and more fuel-efficient) to travel by the Metropolitan Line of the Underground, but that stops everywhere and is usually packed to the brim with tourists and students heading to/from the airport as well as the normal commuters.

The Gatwick Express is also great for those using that airport. Not cheap, but far better than the alternatives. Gatwick to Victoria Station in about 20 minutes.

By: James Joyner

James Joyner — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:37:27 +0000

The 'stache isn't noticeable from any distance but the Reuters photo of the event published by the Daily Mail captures it. I'll leave characterizations to the reader.

By: Triumph

Triumph — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:28:51 +0000

I doubt it happens often--since most people of Tony's wealth and stature don' ride public transport. I'll give Blair credit for keeping his carbon foot print down by taking the train rather than a limo. I remember even as Prime Minister, he flew commercial airlines while on personal business. By the way, James, does Anzar still have that creepy moustache?

By: MichaelB

MichaelB — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:39:18 +0000

I bet this happens surprisingly often. Heads of state, among other things, don't often carry their wallets with them. After breaking the habit for a few years, I can easily see making the mistake from time to time in private life.