Travelling Chef from Temple Meads?

[whole diary]

[Super Guard]

I must say using SWT^▸ (South West Trains) instead of FGW^▸ (First Great Western) simply for the reason that the level of catering is slightly reduced (yet still miles better than on SWT) and the fact that the email didn't get replied to instantly seems somewhat odd.

You forgot the "appaling 15% increase in Off Peak and Super Off Peak singles in January, just three months after reducing them to half the return fare was disgusting".  I know any fare rise is never going to be warmly greeted, but I believe the fares in question are still cheaper than pre-Sept 09 prices, but hey ho.

[JayMac]

I must say using SWT^▸ (South West Trains) instead of FGW^▸ (First Great Western) simply for the reason that the level of catering is slightly reduced (yet still miles better than on SWT) and the fact that the email didn't get replied to instantly seems somewhat odd.

Slightly reduced? From freshly prepared food served on a proper plate to nuked baps. That's not slightly reduced in my eyes. Slightly reduced to me would mean one or two TC^▸ (Train Crew, or Travelling Chef, depending on context) items not being available.

And it may seem odd, but if I'm not happy with a service then I reserve the right to take my business elsewhere - it's just a shame that FGW still get a healthy chunk of my SWT fare if I buy tickets onboard from SHH, plus their ORCATS^▸ (Operational Research Computerised Allocation of Tickets to Services) share for BRI^» (Bristol Temple Meads - next trains)-SAL. But that's the best I can do short of taking the coach.

And I'm not asking for instant responses but the initial query was made on the 16th February, the phone call on the 17th was a waste of my time and money and the definitive answer (ie not the incorrect first email response) was given on the 19th March. Hardly instant.