If only it were that simple

But few imaginations will be captured by repeatedly listening to mind-numbingly dull phones messages, or facing huge ticket office queues.

Between 1400 and 1430 on Wednesday, a BBC News Online journalist tried to call the direct line to buy a ticket five times.

After patiently following automated instructions concerning ticket requirements, all five calls ended in being told to try booking on the internet, twice after already having held for up to five minutes.

"For your added convenience you can now book tickets through the internet, why not go to our site now," suggested the friendly robot.

The advice was duly taken, only to be told - five times - that the site was busy, please try later.

Disgruntled passengers up and down the country have faced similar chaos.

Free coffee

Buying a ticket

internet: www.thetrainline.com telephone: 08457 222333 station ticket office Travel agent

Speaking on the BBC's Radio 5 Live, Mark Furlong, executive commercial director of Virgin Trains admitted that customers were facing huge queues, and promised that tickets would not run out.

But that is little compensation for passengers who do not manage to book a ticket before they need to travel.

Mr Furlong also promised free refreshments for those waiting at stations.

That too will do little to compensate for the frustration of missed trains and lengthy waits.

The Virgin Trains call centres in Scotland took 376,000 calls on Monday, compared to 20,000 on an average day.

Virgin's offer

Fares halved on all Virgin routes Offer applies to First and Standard Class, Savers, weekly season tickets and advance purchase tickets Offer runs from 5 February to 4 March

"Working hours have been extended, and everybody who can is working overtime," a Virgin Trains spokesman told BBC News Online.

But no new staff have been taken on because there is physically no space to seat them, he added.

And the online booking office had a 600% increase in business on Monday, compared to an average day.