First Class faces axe in Southeastern rail franchise deal

[Bry Nylon]

From the BBC website:

First class travel on one of Britain's worst performing rail services is facing the axe under plans to tackle overcrowding, delay and poor service.
Passengers in south east London, Kent and East Sussex are being asked to give their views on the next franchise blueprint.

Has anyone told Beach Hut?

 

[Lord Bracknell]

The point of first class always used to be the fact that, for your money, you got a separate, private compartment that gave occupants the opportunity to hold private business meetings on the way to an important event.

I did, however, always enjoy the luxury that those compartments used to offer on match days to passengers with kids who travelled with a Network Card. The kids travelled for a flat fare of about £3, which made a family outing very affordable. The Bracknell posse went to the famous Hereford game that way, and very luxurious it felt.

These days, of course, all you get for your money is a seat with a white antimacassar. Certainly not worth the money.

 

[Bry Nylon]

These days, of course, all you get for your money is a seat with a white antimacassar. Certainly not worth the money.

I traveled to London by train last Sunday and sat in the seats adjoining First Class, which was identical in every respect to the area in which I was seated. Apart from stickers on the window that say 'Fist Class' I was at a bit of a loss as to what else you get for your (not inconsiderable) additional fare?

 

[dazzer6666]

I traveled to London by train last Sunday and sat in the seats adjoining First Class, which was identical in every respect to the area in which I was seated. Apart from stickers on the window that say 'Fist Class' I was at a bit of a loss as to what else you get for your (not inconsiderable) additional fare?

Nothing....and if the train is REALLY busy (like, so busy you'd want to pay extra for First to get a seat) it'll either be too crowded to get to a seat, already have someone sitting there (who probably doesn't have a First ticket and there is zero chance of an inspection moving them) or the driver (or OBS if he has one LOL) will declassify First anyway allowing anyone to use it.

 

[Hiney]

I traveled to London by train last Sunday and sat in the seats adjoining First Class, which was identical in every respect to the area in which I was seated. Apart from stickers on the window that say 'Fist Class' I was at a bit of a loss as to what else you get for your (not inconsiderable) additional fare?

I'm happy to pay extra for that kind of service.

Well done the rail companies.

 

[Beach Hut]

The end of the world as we know it, next someone will be telling me Big Hilda is not Ernest

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

The point of first class always used to be the fact that, for your money, you got a separate, private compartment that gave occupants the opportunity to hold private business meetings on the way to an important event.

I did, however, always enjoy the luxury that those compartments used to offer on match days to passengers with kids who travelled with a Network Card. The kids travelled for a flat fare of about £3, which made a family outing very affordable. The Bracknell posse went to the famous Hereford game that way, and very luxurious it felt.

These days, of course, all you get for your money is a seat with a white antimacassar. Certainly not worth the money.

I remember mid 90s when the Network card afforded you weekend first class travel for a measly £3 kids or no kids. Most away games could be travelled in luxury for a tenner upgrade as well. I also had numerous free upgrades when our reserved seats were occupied by meat-heads from other teams which were travelling in the same direction; far easier for the conductor to move us than them.

Happy days.

 

[Hamilton]

A rail company does something sensible!

I think I need to sit down for a bit.

 

[Bry Nylon]

A rail company does something sensible!

I think I need to sit down for a bit.

Lucky you're not on a train then.

 

[VAL1850]

Traveling first class used to mean that you didn't get a massive grease spot to rest your head on

 

[Stumpy Tim]

Whenever I travel up north I always travel first class from London as you get working wi-fi, free food & drink, and more comfortable seats. Utterly pointless south of London

 

[BensGrandad]

If it makes more seats available generally for anybody to use it has to be a good move but then for what I use trains it wouldnt make any difference to me.

 

[Eeyore]

The point of first class always used to be the fact that, for your money, you got a separate, private compartment that gave occupants the opportunity to hold private business meetings on the way to an important event.

I did, however, always enjoy the luxury that those compartments used to offer on match days to passengers with kids who travelled with a Network Card. The kids travelled for a flat fare of about £3, which made a family outing very affordable. The Bracknell posse went to the famous Hereford game that way, and very luxurious it felt.

These days, of course, all you get for your money is a seat with a white antimacassar. Certainly not worth the money.

All you really get is a seat.

Mind you, that must feel like luxury on Southern.

 

[Chicken Run]

Whenever I travel up north I always travel first class from London as you get working wi-fi, free food & drink, and more comfortable seats. Utterly pointless south of London

I believe Jeremy Corbin tried this option once and on said journey spotted an "opportunity " as you can imagine he ****ed that up as well!

 

[Rogero]

The end of the world as we know it, next someone will be telling me Big Hilda is not Ernest

Can anyone tell me the Big Hilda story again please.?

 

[Not Andy Naylor]

All you really get is a seat.

Mind you, that must feel like luxury on Southern.

A train feels like luxury on Southern.

 

[Javeaseagull]

Anyone remember 3rd Class? Yes it really did exist. Saying that it sounds like everyone is travelling 3rd class these days!

 

[Easy 10]

As far as I could tell, the only difference between a 1st class carriage and a standard, was that you got a little white napkin draped over the headrest.