FGW to "refresh" First Class

[whole diary]

[Richard Fairhurst]

I've long thought that, at stations like Paddington and Reading, the high-level PIS^▸ (Passenger Information System) displays on the platforms could be used to indicate where to board:

1505 PENZANCE
Calling at: etc. etc.
↑ Standard        First →

...as they do in some places on Le Continong. People are accustomed to looking at the displays, more so than announcements and certainly obscure stuff like 'Purple Zone'.

But given the difficulty in getting the new Turbo displays to say anything apart from "This train is now arriving at Tilehurst" no matter where you are, that might be a bit optimistic.

[bobm]

Getting people to read the PIS^▸ (Passenger Information System) or listen to the announcements sometimes seems optimistic.  The times I, as a member of the public, have been asked if a train is going to Bristol Temple Meads or wherever on Platform 7 when the annoucement has been made..or the screen says so...or the label in the coach window says so. 

Occasional travellers do not always have the confidence of their own eyes or ears and need constant re-assurance.

[Super Guard]

I don't see how you can stop standard class passengers boarding at the rear of first class at departure time without delaying the train.

Reverse all HST^▸ (High Speed Train) sets to have 1st Class at the country end out of PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains)/RDG^‡(resolve).

Problem solved. 

I know many don't want the change, it would be interesting to see what the response would be if this was quietly bought it... 

Though then Standard Class peeps might sit in first class knowing we might not make it down there, as per my previous post 

[Umberleigh]

A belated thank you to SuperGuard for his explanation of the ticket checking procedure upon leaving Exeter St Davids on London trains, I now understand the task in hand.

Doesn't excuse the trolley steward taking an age to appear though...

[IndustryInsider]

I know its been discussed before but I'm all for turning First Class to the front at Paddington.  On the occasions this has happended to me its been a delight (and I don't mind the stroll down the Platform, indeed now the Hot and Cold is the best way to exit east it would be great, oh and I'd be the first off the platform and out of the car park at my home station as well ).

I would prefer First at the country end, but it would seem that I am in a minority regarding this.
Many first class ticket holders feel strongly about the extra walking involved at Paddington, but ignore the shorter walk that would result at other stations.

Reverse all HST^▸ (High Speed Train) sets to have 1st Class at the country end out of PAD^» (Paddington (London) - next trains)/RDG^‡(resolve).

Problem solved. 

A survey has been conducted (though I don't know how extensive), and the majority of the public voted to keep First Class at the London end.  Though there will be a review early next year.

[Btline]

Stop press: first class commuters vote for a shorter walk!
 

[John R]

Unless you're headed to the Hammersmith & City/Circle line platforms of course. (And in a slight digression good to see that the work on that part of Paddington is now beginning to result in somewhat better conditions with the increased number of stairs and larger concourse.)

[Super Guard]

You missed off the small print *80% of respondents were stood in a first class vestibule