Train GraphicClick on the map to explore geographics
 
I need help
FAQ
Emergency
About .
Travel & transport from BBC stories as at 12:15 28 Mar 2024
* Man held over stabbing in front of train passengers
- How do I renew my UK passport and what is the 10-year rule?
- Easter travel warning as millions set to hit roads
Read about the forum [here].
Register [here] - it's free.
What do I gain from registering? [here]
 02/06/24 - Summer Timetable starts
17/08/24 - Bus to Imber
27/09/25 - 200 years of passenger trains

On this day
28th Mar (1988)
Woman found murdered on Orpington to London train (*)

Train RunningCancelled
10:15 London Paddington to Cardiff Central
10:30 London Paddington to Weston-Super-Mare
10:41 Cardiff Central to London Paddington
11:00 Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington
11:16 London Paddington to Cardiff Central
11:23 Weston-Super-Mare to London Paddington
11:30 London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads
11:50 Cardiff Central to London Paddington
Additional 12:07 Bristol Temple Meads to Gloucester
12:15 London Paddington to Cardiff Central
12:17 Westbury to Swindon
12:30 London Paddington to Weston-Super-Mare
13:00 Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington
13:15 Swindon to Westbury
14:19 Westbury to Swindon
15:14 Swindon to Westbury
Short Run
06:00 London Paddington to Penzance
07:10 Penzance to London Paddington
08:03 London Paddington to Penzance
09:30 Weymouth to Gloucester
10:35 London Paddington to Exeter St Davids
10:55 Paignton to London Paddington
11:12 Salisbury to Bristol Temple Meads
11:23 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central
11:41 Bristol Temple Meads to Salisbury
12:03 London Paddington to Penzance
12:12 Salisbury to Bristol Temple Meads
13:03 London Paddington to Plymouth
13:07 Salisbury to Bristol Temple Meads
Delayed
08:23 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff Central
09:04 London Paddington to Plymouth
09:37 London Paddington to Paignton
09:51 Warminster to Gloucester
10:04 London Paddington to Penzance
13:10 Gloucester to Weymouth
PollsOpen and recent polls
Closed 2024-03-25 Easter Escape - to where?
Abbreviation pageAcronymns and abbreviations
Stn ComparatorStation Comparator
Rail newsNews Now - live rail news feed
Site Style 1 2 3 4
Next departures • Bristol Temple MeadsBath SpaChippenhamSwindonDidcot ParkwayReadingLondon PaddingtonMelksham
Exeter St DavidsTauntonWestburyTrowbridgeBristol ParkwayCardiff CentralOxfordCheltenham SpaBirmingham New Street
March 28, 2024, 12:20:40 *
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Forgotten your username or password? - get a reminder
Most recently liked subjects
[151] West Wiltshire Bus Changes April 2024
[85] would you like your own LIVE train station departure board?
[58] Return of the BRUTE?
[49] If not HS2 to Manchester, how will traffic be carried?
[46] Infrastructure problems in Thames Valley causing disruption el...
[36] Reversing Beeching - bring heritage and freight lines into the...
 
News: A forum for passengers ... with input from rail professionals welcomed too
 
   Home   Help Search Calendar Login Register  
Poll
Question: If you are travelling alone, what seat do you choose?  (Voting closed: February 22, 2023, 22:54:45)
Always sit at a table if I can - 7 (15.2%)
Sit at a table unless there is a family to join already - 2 (4.3%)
Sit at a table unless it's likely a family will join - 1 (2.2%)
Only sit at a table if I am likely to be alone - 11 (23.9%)
Don't mind - whatever takes my fancy - 8 (17.4%)
It depends on what I want to do on the journey - 7 (15.2%)
Never sit at a table unless I have to - 10 (21.7%)
Total Voters: 46

Pages: [1] 2
  Print  
Author Topic: Seating on a train - which do you prefer.  (Read 2594 times)
grahame
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 40690



View Profile WWW Email
« on: February 15, 2023, 22:54:45 »

From The Mirror

Quote
A mum was left fuming and asking why just one person would decide to sit at a table on a train after recently travelling with her two kids. The woman had been getting on a train with her children and spotted a nice table for them to sit at when she noticed just one person was sitting there already.

The other passenger began to stare at the family and seemed far from happy at the prospect of sitting at a table with the family of three.
Logged

Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
Trowres
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 749


View Profile
« Reply #1 on: February 15, 2023, 23:34:33 »

I generally prefer seating at a table, although seat/window alignment is sometimes the deciding factor.

Generally happy to share a table with a family, and have sometimes offered to move so that people can sit together. Never a problem in the days of Mk1 TSOs (The Stationary Office (now OPSI)) as all seats had tables!
Logged
Red Squirrel
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 5190


There are some who call me... Tim


View Profile
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2023, 00:03:14 »

Given a totally free choice, I’d go for a compartment every time. Mk 1’s, with seats you could sink into - remember when train seats were comfortable? If someone joined you, you could spark up an interesting conversation, or keep yourself to yourself if you preferred. Happy days…
Logged

Things take longer to happen than you think they will, and then they happen faster than you thought they could.
IndustryInsider
Data Manager
Hero Member
******
Posts: 10095


View Profile
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2023, 04:49:06 »

My preference is for a table if travelling in a group.  If I’m on my own or with one other person I prefer airline style seats unless I can almost guarantee I will have the table to myself.

I’d rather stand than risk having to share a table with a family.

So, the layout of most modern trains is just about ideal for my preferences.
Logged

To view my GWML (Great Western Main Line) Electrification cab video 'before and after' video comparison, as well as other videos of the new layout at Reading and 'before and after' comparisons of the Cotswold Line Redoubling scheme, see: http://www.dailymotion.com/user/IndustryInsider/
CyclingSid
Data Manager
Hero Member
******
Posts: 1918


Hockley viaduct


View Profile
« Reply #4 on: February 16, 2023, 06:49:03 »

My preference is for somewhere I can keep an eye on the bike (Brompton). Rear seat on Voyagers large luggage area where you can tuck the bike behind. Sliding the bike under a table is problematical, as you end up effectively taking two seats, which is not immediately obvious to others wanting the space. On IETs (Intercity Express Train) usually stand in the bike space.
Logged
grahame
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 40690



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #5 on: February 16, 2023, 08:42:53 »

Quote
Talking to Mumsnet, the woman, who remained anonymous, explained: "Just got on a train with my two kids - we joined a lady on her own at a table, she looks daggers at me.

"I realise it's not fun sharing a table with two young kids but why then sit at a table on your own? You are so much more likely to be joined by a family group!"

In answer to the woman,  I can tell her that sitting at a table rather than in an airline seat allows a (lone) traveller that much more space for a laptop or papers, plus a sandwich and drink (or equivalent).  The clue is in "table" rather than collapsible shelf. Also more foot room if no-one happens to sit opposite.

As an aside, how many tickets had Ms Anon bought?  I read "young kids" as likely to be under 5, and travelling free of charge.  So chances are that her gaggle of three is paying the same as the lady on her own.  I could start to ask some extreme questions as to why public transport allows the most disruptive of travellers (those in the "terrible twos") to travel free of charge, steps up to half fares as they get a bit better behaved, and then charges even more when we are considered (and usually are) fully responsible.     Why not turn it round the other way?

Logged

Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
broadgage
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 5398



View Profile
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2023, 09:34:42 »

On a mainline service, preferred seat is with a proper table, not a collapsing tray affixed to the seat in front.
Aligned with a window for the view. Ideally not on an IET (Intercity Express Train) as the seats are hard.

On the preserved WSR, a table is less important though still nice to have. My usual seat is one of the corner ones, that USED to have a table, but this has been removed. Most coaches have 16 such seats, the former table seats at each corner of the coach.
On a WSR DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit), I go for the former first class area which has better seats, now used for second class.

Most WSR trains are second class only, but I select first or Pullman when available as is sometimes the case for special events.
Logged

A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
Mark A
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 1300


View Profile
« Reply #7 on: February 16, 2023, 09:43:52 »

On an IEP (Intercity Express Program / Project.), the driver's seat is by far the most comfortable, if you can get to it first.

Mark
Logged
eightonedee
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 1532



View Profile
« Reply #8 on: February 16, 2023, 10:01:39 »

Quote
Given a totally free choice, I’d go for a compartment every time. Mk 1’s, with seats you could sink into - remember when train seats were comfortable? If someone joined you, you could spark up an interesting conversation, or keep yourself to yourself if you preferred. Happy days…

As I have done before, can I put the case against Mk1 compartment stock, having been stuck with such stock most mornings during my first 2 and a half years' commuting in the early/mid 1980s?

You start the experience with a sliding door that often did not slide particularly well, set in an unnecessary internal partition wall that took up space and added to the weight of the vehicle. If it was busy, it would look and feel full with 6 occupants (3 a side) when it was meant to seat 8 (4 a side). Much as I don't favour 5 across because getting into that middle seat of 3 on the 3 side is seldom easy or pleasant, it was worse trying to get into the last of 4 on one side of a Mk1 compartment.

Yes you could sink into the seats, but often made unwelcome contact with the springs inside, and if they were not a good condition there was a lumpy experience to be had.

Moving onto the heating, there was the rotary heater control which enabled you to choose between roast or freeze. If some else had chosen roast, and you were close enough to try opening the sliding ventilator in the top of the window, it would resist all attempts to move until you reached the point of overcoming the friction, when it would shoot open well beyond the marks on the frame indicating where (in theory) you could open to without causing a draught.  But if you were stuck in that draught, or sensitive to those who had selected the "roast" option on the heater control, they would absolutely refuse to budge back into the "no draught" zone however hard you pushed them.

The ride was often poor, with hunting from side to side frequent. To cap it all, they were inefficient, with only 64  seats (nominal - actually more like 48 - see above!) in a (by the standards of the time) long wheelbase coach.

The only good thing was the fenestration (if you were lucky enough to be on the window rather than the corridor side, of course, the latter being hopeless). But at least the windows were of good size and aligned (necessarily) with the seating.

Only fit for short trips on heritage railways in my view!

If this was 40 years ago, I would be voting for an open Mk 2 anytime, please.  And I found conversations easier to start and acquaintances easier to make as a Turbo commuter when I resumed rail commuting in the 2000s - but this might have been "fellow sufferer" syndrome!

 
Logged
broadgage
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 5398



View Profile
« Reply #9 on: February 16, 2023, 10:37:00 »

despite the above shortcomings, I would still prefer an early type of BR (British Rail(ways)) coach to an IET (Intercity Express Train).
Logged

A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
PhilWakely
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 2007



View Profile
« Reply #10 on: February 16, 2023, 10:46:16 »

If I am travelling alone, it depends on the purpose of the trip. If it is just a means of getting from A to B, I'll just sit wherever I can. If it is a leisure trip, I will look for a window seat facing forward and do not worry whether the seat is at a table or not.

I recall a trip to London many moons ago with my wife and daughter when I managed to get cheap 1st Class Advances in both directions between Pinhoe and Waterloo. No such thing as specified seats, so we just sat at the first available table on boarding at Waterloo. A short while after boarding, with the 1st Class section relatively sparcely populated, a 'City Gent type' boarded and approached us. "Excuse me, but this is my seat. I always sit here." Incredulous at the comment, I said there were plenty of other seats and these seats were not reserved, but he would have none of it. Thankfully, another passenger stepped in and just asked him to sit in another seat. With a grunt, he did so!  
Logged
Bmblbzzz
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 4256


View Profile
« Reply #11 on: February 16, 2023, 12:15:18 »

Red Squirrel writes in praise of compartments but he doesn't mention one of their best attributes: the corridor. A neutral space which can be used to hold private one-on-one conversations or to escape the conversations others are holding, to be alone or in company, to enjoy the view from the other side, to stand rather than sit, to walk (or maybe run, if you're small) up and down, to eat in peace or to escape the smell and sight of what others are eating, or just for a change of atmosphere. All this and offering overflow seating!

Red Squirrel highlights conversation in compartments. I've had interesting (and awful) conversations with strangers in compartments and at tables, but never in side-by-side seating. Which leads me to wonder what is it about compartments and table seating which encourages us to talk to strangers? It can't be the table itself, as compartments usually only a vestigial flap of table, just large enough for a sandwich and a cup of coffee, and even that only accessible to two of the compartments four, six or eight seats. I would have said it was sitting face-to-face – except that clearly doesn't encourage conversation on the underground! So I think perhaps it's the sense of being in an enclosed, but accessible, space. This is obvious with a compartment and a group of seats around a table replicates this in a way, with all the seats having a common focus. Table seating also, of course, replicates a cafe, pub or restaurant arrangement.
Logged

Waiting at Pilning for the midnight sleeper to Prague.
Bob_Blakey
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 782


View Profile
« Reply #12 on: February 16, 2023, 13:17:53 »

If possible I generally choose a Window 'Airline' seat when travelling alone and with SWTSMBO (She Who Thinks She Must Be Obeyed) we always try and get a Window / Aisle 'Airline' combo. Except when travelling LNER» (London North Eastern Railway - about) 1st Class where the single seats are favoured.
Logged
Red Squirrel
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 5190


There are some who call me... Tim


View Profile
« Reply #13 on: February 16, 2023, 13:57:09 »

Quote
Given a totally free choice, I’d go for a compartment every time. Mk 1’s, with seats you could sink into - remember when train seats were comfortable? If someone joined you, you could spark up an interesting conversation, or keep yourself to yourself if you preferred. Happy days…

As I have done before, can I put the case against Mk1 compartment stock, having been stuck with such stock most mornings during my first 2 and a half years' commuting in the early/mid 1980s?

You start the experience with a sliding door that often did not slide particularly well, set in an unnecessary internal partition wall that took up space and added to the weight of the vehicle. If it was busy, it would look and feel full with 6 occupants (3 a side) when it was meant to seat 8 (4 a side). Much as I don't favour 5 across because getting into that middle seat of 3 on the 3 side is seldom easy or pleasant, it was worse trying to get into the last of 4 on one side of a Mk1 compartment.

Yes you could sink into the seats, but often made unwelcome contact with the springs inside, and if they were not a good condition there was a lumpy experience to be had.

Moving onto the heating, there was the rotary heater control which enabled you to choose between roast or freeze. If some else had chosen roast, and you were close enough to try opening the sliding ventilator in the top of the window, it would resist all attempts to move until you reached the point of overcoming the friction, when it would shoot open well beyond the marks on the frame indicating where (in theory) you could open to without causing a draught.  But if you were stuck in that draught, or sensitive to those who had selected the "roast" option on the heater control, they would absolutely refuse to budge back into the "no draught" zone however hard you pushed them.

The ride was often poor, with hunting from side to side frequent. To cap it all, they were inefficient, with only 64  seats (nominal - actually more like 48 - see above!) in a (by the standards of the time) long wheelbase coach.

The only good thing was the fenestration (if you were lucky enough to be on the window rather than the corridor side, of course, the latter being hopeless). But at least the windows were of good size and aligned (necessarily) with the seating.

Only fit for short trips on heritage railways in my view!

If this was 40 years ago, I would be voting for an open Mk 2 anytime, please.  And I found conversations easier to start and acquaintances easier to make as a Turbo commuter when I resumed rail commuting in the 2000s - but this might have been "fellow sufferer" syndrome!

 

You make a number of good points, eightonedee. My memories are mostly of leisure trips on fairly lightly-loaded cross-country trains (Bristol - Southampton, or up to Holyhead) where often you could have a compartment to yourself. One abiding memory is a trip from Inverness to Wick/Thurso in which we strung our soaking wet tent between the luggage racks to dry it out. With the steam and electric heat on full whack, and the windows open, it dried out perfectly. No-one complained!

You do remind me though of how grumpy people could get when the trains were more crowded and you had to ask them to budge up.

In my recollection, compartment stock was often in mixed rakes with open carriages though. So you could generally choose according what suited you best.

I can remember some dodgy springs on Mk 1's, but I don't remember having to get up and walk around to relieve the pain as you do after 45 minutes on a Class 800!
Logged

Things take longer to happen than you think they will, and then they happen faster than you thought they could.
Oxonhutch
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 1243



View Profile
« Reply #14 on: February 16, 2023, 14:45:37 »

Travelling north from Oxford in the late 70's on a cross-country train usually with a class 50 on the front. First class tended to be towards the front which is where I headed with my bike as there was always a BSK (Brake Standard Corridor (carriage)) at the very front with some isolated, and often completely empty, standard class compartments whilst the rest of the train could be packed solid in standard. Change at Birmingham New Street where I got to know the subterranean ramps and passageways for the BRUTEs (British Rail Universal Trolley Equipment) and postals. Could often make a connection there on the bike that would be missed by those on foot via the stairs. Ramps all gone now, last time I looked, but what a dingy miserable place it still is today.
Logged
Do you have something you would like to add to this thread, or would you like to raise a new question at the Coffee Shop? Please [register] (it is free) if you have not done so before, or login (at the top of this page) if you already have an account - we would love to read what you have to say!

You can find out more about how this forum works [here] - that will link you to a copy of the forum agreement that you can read before you join, and tell you very much more about how we operate. We are an independent forum, provided and run by customers of Great Western Railway, for customers of Great Western Railway and we welcome railway professionals as members too, in either a personal or official capacity. Views expressed in posts are not necessarily the views of the operators of the forum.

As well as posting messages onto existing threads, and starting new subjects, members can communicate with each other through personal messages if they wish. And once members have made a certain number of posts, they will automatically be admitted to the "frequent posters club", where subjects not-for-public-domain are discussed; anything from the occasional rant to meetups we may be having ...

 
Pages: [1] 2
  Print  
 
Jump to:  

Powered by MySQL Powered by PHP Powered by SMF 1.1.2 | SMF © 2006-2007, Simple Machines LLC Valid XHTML 1.0! Valid CSS!
This forum is provided by customers of Great Western Railway (formerly First Great Western), and the views expressed are those of the individual posters concerned. Visit www.gwr.com for the official Great Western Railway website. Please contact the administrators of this site if you feel that the content provided by one of our posters contravenes our posting rules (email link to report). Forum hosted by Well House Consultants

Jump to top of pageJump to Forum Home Page