A FARNHAM teenager had a £150 taxi ride from Solihull to Farnham after a train failed to stop at his station.
After visiting his girlfriend in Birmingham last Wednesday, Owen Adams (17) headed for Solihull station to catch a Virgin train to Guildford.
He was dismayed when instead of stopping at the platform the train rushed past him.
Owen's mother, Town Initiative Manager Phyllida Adams said: "The train went straight through at 160 miles per hour. The station master said there was a safety aspect. Owen asked what he should do and the station master called a taxi.
Peeps into the Past: When Farnham welcomed refugees of war
Dream of a white Christmas denied in Surrey and Hampshire
Rise in hospital admissions for stress and anxiety in east Berkshire, north east Hampshire, Farnham and Surrey Heath
Peeps into the Past: Castaway Christmas for Tilford's own Robinson Crusoe"We got a call at about 10 pm from Owen asking for directions for the taxi driver."
Owen, who is a student at Farnham College, arrived home at 1 am, about an hour later than he would have done on the train, but Virgin paid the taxi fare.
"He's been up to Birmingham three times and there have been problems every time with delays or cancellations," said Mrs Adams.
A spokesman for Virgin Trains said Solihull station's platform is only designed for six carriages.
Owen's train to Guildford had eight and a fault meant that the driver could not close doors on the last two carriages to reduce the open carriages to six which would allow it to stop. So in the interests of safety, he had to drive through the station.