FGW 1st Class - ongoing discussion of the benefits and their apparent reduction

[whole diary]

[ellendune]

I accept that I am probably in a small, uncommercially significant minority.

I can't travel in reverse direction of travel without feeling a bit queasy are a while so you aren't alone. One of the reasons why I go via London when heading North rather than using XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)).

I accept that it is important to a significant number of people.  I just don't see how XC could practically achieve it without both rearranging the seating in first class and a an IT solution that could keep track of the orientation of each unit and adjust the bookings accordingly.  Even then there would be problems on some services due to the change in direction. 

[Super Guard]

I'm also wondering why the chose to put the Micro Buffet next to the TC^‡(resolve). Why not make the Micro Buffet a TCMB (Trailer Composite Micro Buffet) as this would allow another full Standard Class carriage?!?! Ok you wouldn't get too much Standard Class seating in a TCMB but it would be at the provision of a further full Standard Class carriage (Possibly made from the conversion of a TF to a TS)

Probably so they don't need to send all the mini-buffets off to be refurbished again.

[thetrout]

Well I've just gone to book some First Advance with FGW^▸ (First Great Western) and have also noticed that the First Advance fares have increased significantly in price...!

Yes I'm aware of the subject to availability and Advance fares are quota controlled etc.

The trains I use are often empty in First Class. Where on some journeys I was paying ^22.00 for a First Advance, I am now being offered a ^49.50 fare! So I can only see this as an increase, rather than because of the reduction of First Class seating. Irrelevant of whether there is 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 or 0.5 First Class Carriages. It makes no difference if you're the only person fish sat in it!

It's going to work out cheaper at this rate to purchase the FSR^▸ (First Scot Rail) (First Off Peak Return) which is pretty darn expensive and not something I want to start having to do. But the flexibility may pay off in the long run I guess...

Nicely done folks. Nicely done...

[Timmer]

Sadly Trout this was always going to be the way it would go with the reduction in seating starting to bite over the coming months as carriages are withdrawn for modification. Quotas of lower price First Advance fares would be reduced leading to an increase in the cost of what you are likely to pay for First Advance tickets.

Does anyone know if FGW^▸ (First Great Western) have actually increased Advance fares from today? I know the 10 percent offer if you buy direct via the FGW has now ended which has lead to the increase that was imposed last year on those who didn't buy via the FGW website now applying to everyone.

[ChrisB]

Note that 1st class has all been relettered overnight into K & L rather than F & G, so the seats 'available' may have reduced, even if they're still physically there for the time being?

[John R]

And the quiet carriage stickers have been removed as well.

[chrisr_75]

And the quiet carriage stickers have been removed as well.

Not across the board so far, there's still plenty floating around this morning with quiet carriage stickers...

Also a coach M on those sets that have a full size buffet - with the old coach F being the new K. I expect M is temporary and will be removed as the conversions are completed

[johoare]

7.08 this morning.. Maidenhead to Paddington.. The trolley came through first class with the complimentary food and drink.. I cannot remember the last time that happened (if ever) on that train.. No ticket check though.. shame..

[NickB]

7.08 this morning.. Maidenhead to Paddington.. The trolley came through first class with the complimentary food and drink.. I cannot remember the last time that happened (if ever) on that train.. No ticket check though.. shame..

And again this morning!  Incredible! 
No ticket check, and no quiet carriage.  But its a good start.

[IndustryInsider]

Not sure, but it might have something to do with the shake-up of the Trolley service at Oxford with some of the Rail Gourmet staff now working for FGW^▸ (First Great Western) as dedicated customer hosts.  I thought that was predominantly for the 180s, but perhaps the HST^▸ (High Speed Train) catering arrangements have changed a little, too?

[johoare]

7.08 this morning.. Maidenhead to Paddington.. The trolley came through first class with the complimentary food and drink.. I cannot remember the last time that happened (if ever) on that train.. No ticket check though.. shame..

And again this morning!  Incredible! 
No ticket check, and no quiet carriage.  But its a good start.

Sadly no trolley and no ticket check on the 7.59 departure this morning

[Umberleigh]

Well I've just gone to book some First Advance with FGW^▸ (First Great Western) and have also noticed that the First Advance fares have increased significantly in price...!

Yes I'm aware of the subject to availability and Advance fares are quota controlled etc.

The trains I use are often empty in First Class. Where on some journeys I was paying ^22.00 for a First Advance, I am now being offered a ^49.50 fare! So I can only see this as an increase, rather than because of the reduction of First Class seating. Irrelevant of whether there is 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 or 0.5 First Class Carriages. It makes no difference if you're the only person fish sat in it!

It's going to work out cheaper at this rate to purchase the FSR^▸ (First Scot Rail) (First Off Peak Return) which is pretty darn expensive and not something I want to start having to do. But the flexibility may pay off in the long run I guess...

Nicely done folks. Nicely done...

This was always my reservation (no pun intended).

I know a lot of people whose opinion of rail travel in has ben changed for the better thanks to the cheap, off-peak 1st deals (especially after I had made them aware).

There are going to be a lot of disappointed people as these fares vanish

[Southern Stag]

Not sure, but it might have something to do with the shake-up of the Trolley service at Oxford with some of the Rail Gourmet staff now working for FGW^▸ (First Great Western) as dedicated customer hosts.  I thought that was predominantly for the 180s, but perhaps the HST^▸ (High Speed Train) catering arrangements have changed a little, too?

Are the buffets finally being used on 180s or is still a trolley service?

[IndustryInsider]

Still just a trolley service.

[IanL]

Funny that II, I make most of my journeys on the 180s these days and I have only ever seen a trolley being removed from the train after arrival at Oxford from Paddington, I have never seen a trolley west of Oxford (even when there is room to wheel it down the train).