Neil Williams wrote:

Chance of seat circa 100% (no, really)[1],

I would disagree with that but then I only catch trains as far as
Watford so I can't speak for the trains that miss out Watford. You are
only more or less guaranteed a seat if you are on the train at least 10
minutes before departure. 5 minutes or less more or less forget getting
a seat unless you want to squeeze between Mr and Mrs Fatty or asked the
ingorant ******* to move their bag off the seat next to them.
And if you are lucky you wont have a bike taking up the vacant standing
space. I am sure bikes are banned but then why do I see them on the
trains.

Kevin