Some time after 5pm on Thursday, just as rush hour is getting into full swing, the main gates at Euston are pulled shut. Hundreds of people are queueing to get out. Hundreds more are queueing to get in. You can see their stressed faces pressed against the grilles. Some of them are waving tickets at station staff — as if that will help.
Crowds locked outside during the afternoon rush hour, as staff try to control passenger numbers
JOSHUA BRATT FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES
In the bleak main concourse, a sea of anxious faces peers up at the departure boards. The 17.13 to Manchester Piccadilly is delayed, but the next two — the 17.02 to Holyhead and the 17.30 to Preston not Glasgow (due to damage to overhead lines) — are “boarding shortly”.
“Boarding shortly” is the “ready, set” of what is now known as the