Moaning about public transport is part and parcel of British life, but after enduring several months of wallet-busting misery at the hands of Scotrail on my commute, things seem to have taken a (perhaps temporary) step upwards.\n\nPunctuality seems to have improved and with full six-carriage trains now regularly in use, there's a slim but believable chance of bagging a seat. Most shockingly of all, I've actually noticed some manners and friendliness coming from the conductors. There are one or two, who in the style of Victorian legend Joseph Merrick,  genuinely don't seem to hate the entire world despite being dealt one of life's worst possible hands. They're not quite dancing up the aisles in their safety shoes, but it's a start.\n\nThere are few simpler pleasures than a good mag from WH Smith, a table, and a quiet, comfortable train. You won't get that all the time, but more often than you used to.\n.