Compensation for down-grade on Norwich - London

[OLJR]

A few years back I travelled on an 1ST Advance ticket from Norwich to Liverpool Street.

The usual HST was replaced with a commuter service configured 2-2 in 1ST and 2-3 in STD and was not painted in the livery usual on that route.

Now the ticket was ridiculously cheap (I think about GBP 16) and a few days later I was flying away from the UK for some months so I just took the journey and was glad to be back in London more or less on time.

But I was just wondering, would (and should!) TOCs be obliged to offer compensation since the standard HST product was not offered? If so, would both 1ST and STD pax be eligible?

 

[DaveNewcastle]

A ticket for travel on the railway is a contract to convey the passenger between two points. Its not a condition of that contract that the conveyance is by rail (hence the use of busses such as in times of engineering works), so it should be clear that there would be no 'compensation' for a substitution of one type of train for another.

 

[PermitToTravel]

You have a contract with the TOC to be conveyed between two stations, and so they have fulfilled their obligations by providing accommodating you upon a DMU, and are not obliged to compensate you.

However, many (but not all) TOCs are sympathetic when you do not receive the service you would generally expect, and should you write a letter to their customer services department, you can expect to receive an apology and some rail travel vouchers in compensation.

The class of travel is not relevant, unless the substitute train did not have first class accommodation, in which case I think first class ticket holders are entitled to a refund of the difference between the fare they paid, and the equivalent standard class fare they would have otherwise paid.

 

[yorkie]

No compensation is payable however if you can inform us of the details of the service (date, time) we can look up what was booked. If a Mk3 set was booked and a Class 321 EMU was allocated on the day, and no catering was available, then you might be offered some compensation as a gesture of goodwill.

The 1702 London to Norwich & return working are booked for Class 321 operation, but as far as I know the others are not, but it could be different at weekends, subject to engineering works.

 

[Mr Spock]

No compensation is payable however if you can inform us of the details of the service (date, time) we can look up what was booked. If a Mk3 set was booked and a Class 321 EMU was allocated on the day, and no catering was available, then you might be offered some compensation as a gesture of goodwill.

The 1702 London to Norwich & return working are booked for Class 321 operation, but as far as I know the others are not, but it could be different at weekends, subject to engineering works.

The OP says that his journey was several years ago so probably bit late for compensation of any sort.

 

[Aictos]

Also when has any HST actually worked Norwich to Liverpool Street in regular service

 

[Tetchytyke]

It was years ago, so you're probably a bit late.

If no first class accommodation was available, then you'd be refunded the difference between the standard class and the first class ticket. But if first class accommodation was available, it was just that it was on a different type of train, then it wouldn't.

 

[Johnny_w]

Also when has any HST actually worked Norwich to Liverpool Street in regular service

How I wish!

Granted it was a few years ago, However my expeiences with Greater anglia are such that Customer service does seem forefront and my various examples have always been good.

I'd say it's likely you would probably recieve some vouchers or something.

JW

 

[maniacmartin]

Despite the difference in comfort, from a ticketing point of view, 1st class is 1st class no matter what stock it is on.

 

[OLJR]

The OP says that his journey was several years ago so probably bit late for compensation of any sort.

Just for the avoidance of doubt I am not seeking anything now. I am just curious!

Also when has any HST actually worked Norwich to Liverpool Street in regular service

As far as I can remember the route has always been operated by InterCity 125-type service with Mark 3 carriages and a big engine at the south end. If this is not an HST then my apologies!

 

[NLC1072]

Just for the avoidance of doubt I am not seeking anything now. I am just curious!



As far as I can remember the route has always been operated by InterCity 125-type service with Mark 3 carriages and a big engine at the south end. If this is not an HST then my apologies!

The carriages are the same* as HST stock, but hauled by an electric class 90 loco and have a DVT on the other end with which to drive back. Rather than top and tailed by diesel electric class 43s

*may differ with some electronics/modifications but is pretty much exactly the same

 

[yorkie]

As far as I can remember the route has always been operated by InterCity 125-type service with Mark 3 carriages and a big engine at the south end. If this is not an HST then my apologies!

It is not an HST, but the passenger carrying vehicles are, as you say, Mk3 carriages.

The Norwich route is electrified, so no engines required. The Mk3 coaches are hauled (or propelled!) by Class 90 electric locomotives.

 

[jopsuk]

spotted this morning- 0900 Norwich-Liverpool Street was a 4-car train (ie a single 321) instead of a loco hauled set.

 

[Sleepy]

and ran non stop Stowmarket to Stratford !

 

[transportphoto]

and ran non stop Stowmarket to Stratford !

That would have been an interesting run! Reason for delay is a 'train fault'...

TP