I’ve been toying with the idea of writing this post for a while.

The journalist in me says I should have done this while the news was fresh; the passenger in me says I should keep quiet.

Even as I write, I’m struggling to decide whether to publish – and be damned.

But, as Wallace so rightly says in the Aardman animation The Wrong Trousers*, “it’s no use prevaricating about the bush”.

You see: I want to explain the joys of train travel at the moment.

I have been on several leisure trips recently with different Train Operating Companies and at different times of the day.

And all the journeys have been efficient, pleasant and enjoyable. Isn’t that how it should be all the time?

Yes, you have to wear a face covering at the stations and on the trains. Yes, you have to sanitise your hands when you enter railway premises. Yes, you have to keep your distance from other passengers.

But – and I’ll whisper this – the trains are almost empty.

There are plenty of seats on most journeys and plenty of opportunity to relish the finer points of train travel rather than the crowded platforms and crushed carriages pre-Covid.

“At times, it’s like having your own private charter train rather than a public transport service.”

No interruptions, no loud conversations, no standing, no queues. At times, it’s like having your own private charter train rather than a public transport service.

Rail passenger use is at its lowest level since the 1850s. It’s no wonder given how many people are working from home or have lost their jobs.

The official figures suggest the trend is likely to continue. At this rate, the numbers may fall further.

This is marvellous news for people like me who are still using trains to reach places, see faces and observe spaces. The future of TOCs is uncertain because of the drop in income from passenger fares and so this blissful state may not last. It’s worrying for them and the future of our railways is a cause for concern.

But I’m determined to have fun while I can.

In terms of gauging and managing the coronavirus risk, well, when it comes to ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’, I would opt for “trains” any day of the week.

I hope you can now appreciate my dilemma. By writing this, I may encourage others to use the trains as well. And that would spoil my enjoyment!

* Surely the film with the greatest train chase scene.