Communications and Transport in Cobdenia

Transport

Air

</div>Cobdenia has only one major aerodrome: Port Sir Richard, located just outside the town. This is the main airport for the country, and handles most of the international aeroplane travel. It has many conveniences, such as a cafe, a duty free shop, and is the most heavily stained glass airport in the world. It is also Cobdenia's only aerodrome with a tarmacadam runway (although this is only used in wet conditions), and it can handle aeroplane's of most sizes that can actually arrive in Cobdenia (all modern aircraft become Handley Pages etc. when entering Cobdenian airspace due to the space time vortex in which Cobdenia exists). Arrival by Zeppelin is also very common - these are usually mored at Flamasamaderbanlallabad field, just inside Port Sir Richard. Other citites have small airfields, however, these are largely for domestic flights only.

Road

Cobdenian Roads are not among the world's best. Whilst the main roads are often tarmacked, many of the side roads are little more then mud or dirt tracks, and few are marked on maps. There are no motorways, or dual carriageways, and roads are often filled with donkey carts, horses, rickshaws and ancient taxi cabs. Rail is the preferred method of transport.

Sea

The major port for passenger arrivals is also located at Port Sir Richard, however, there are freight ports at all coastal cities. The Cobdenian and Occidental Passenger Line registers most of her vessels here. This is probably the preferred way in for most travellers, as the 'plane conversion can be rather unsettling, and more then a little dangerous. Be warned, though, that it is absolutely forbidden to take photographs in the port area, as it borders with a Naval base. This rule is rigourously enforced, especially if you have a Central European accent and a name like Otto.

Rail

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Cobdenia has probably one of the finest, and most extensive, railway networks in the world. It was primarily built in the mid 19th century by the British, whe desired faster communications with the central coal mines and farming regions and the ports. However, it soon became apparent that Cobdenia's large population meant that passenger services would actually be profitable in Cobdenia, and the network soon expanded to it's current size. Their are four classes on the trains - 1st, 2nd, 3rd and outside on the roof. The latter is usually free, however, tourists are advised to travel in either first or second class only. There are also seperate compartments for women only (although are permitted in other comprtments) and for non-smoking.

Ominbusses, Taxicabs, and Trams

Most of the major cities have all three, and there are regional local busses, although these don't operate frequently. The bottom decks of trams and busses are smoking. Taxis are usually black Ford Model T's or are horsedrawn, many are horsedrawn dilapadated Model T's.

Communications

Telephone

There is a good telephone system in most major cities, but be aware that you may have to book a trunk call in advance due to limited bandwith. Whilst electronic exchanges are coming in, it is not unsuprising to find that 'phones have no dials and you are required to 'phone an operator to make a call. This is required for all oversees calls and those outside the local area (there are no STDs) - most phone numbers are given as a place name followed by a short number. The emergency service numbers are 999, and 112.

Telegraph

This is the normal form of communicating by long distance. Take your message down to the nearest post office, write an address on it, and it will be sent as soon as possible. Currently the rate is 1d a word

Post

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Stamps are available in post offices and most tabacconists and news agents. Red pillar boxes are for internal mail and shipbourne mail, sky blue for air mail.Stamps are available as first class or second class, the former being usually next day on letters. First class in tuppence on letters and postcards.

Internet

The internet, as it exists in Cobdenia, is telegraph based. Simply sent a question to "Knowledge base, 15 Tramulanger Boulevard, Riccardoton" and a bloke called Eric will look up the answer for you. There is no facility for email, or anything more complated then that - although multiplayer online gamers can ask him to set up a game and he'll put you in conact with someone for a telegraph or letter based chess game.

Mobile Telephones

No coverage. Best use an Aldis Lamp instead.