South west trains - changing from train to bus?

Question

I haven't used trains much, so I checked a timetable thing, and it said that i get to a station, and I have to change from train to bus; I don't know where the bus will be, or will there be prompts to what to do?

xD I don't want to be late to this. This is quite a silly question; i know ^-^.

Answer 1

SWT do use a regular Bus service on some of the smaller lines outside of peak times, however if this is a Rail Replacement service due to Engineering works, then there will be directions in Poster form as well as Staff on hand to direct you towards the Bus. However if you ask the Conductor or Trainman on the train before you reach the destination then they should be able to give you quick directions or explain where to go.

If the destination is a popular one, then do allow extra time for the connection, crowd and distance to be travelled by road.

Answer 2

There should be staff to direct you to the replacement bus service and quite often signs will be in place to direct you.

You don't need to worry about Amtrack and Grayhound as usual our friends from across the pond have not read the question.

Answer 3

Usually its chaos just look for the mayhem and the big queue

Answer 4

If you are changing to an AMTRAK sponsored bus, they will wait no matter how late the train is. If it's a city or Greyhound bus, you may miss it if the train is late. Check with AMTRAK just prior to getting to your transfer town

Answer 5

Your conductor will help you with the best way to find the bus connection. Just remember Amtrak is not reliable and you could miss that bus if the connection is late.

You may want to call Amtrk to see if they have a rental car agency at the station. Or get the number for Enterprize rental car in that city, so you can continue your time without aggravation.

Answer 6

Not silly at all. when you get to the station where the train transfers to a bus you will be directed to the bus by station staff. I would leave at least half an hour early and if the staff are busy just ask other passengers. With the trains always being mucked up there is a team spirit with regular train users

Answer 7

maybe you are travelling at the weekend with engineering works going on... like basingstoke re-signalling..etc,

the rail replacement bus will be waiting for the train arrival in the station car-park, its all free..and the staff will be there to help you.. they only use buses when the tracks are taken up for essential repairs and its all planned to make it easy for you...