Poll: Which railway company is your favourite at the moment?

[fgwrich]

I think South Western Railway is much better than CrossCountry. South Western Railway runs electric trains instead of diesel. The train layout is more spacious, allowing more passengers to squeeze onto the train. I can receive GPS on SWR trains but not CrossCountry, which is a great comfort to me as I always know where I am on board a SWR train. It offers a more frequent service on my local line as well. I'm always delighted to see a SWR train to carry me home rather than a CrossCountry. Furthermore, the existence of CrossCountry trains prevents me to use Semi-flex fares for my days out because they are marked SWR only, but CrossCountry doesn't provide similar offering.

Furthermore, last year when I encountered a delay on CrossCountry, a signalling fault which delayed the train by less than half an hour into Southampton, turned up to be more than an hour arriving Birmingham, while SWR trains seldom encounter such kinds of delay.

That you can largely thank the incumbent SWT for. All SWR has done to the interior's is change the seat covers for a worser wearing flat cloth and ruined the First Class in the 444s.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

I've travelled little in the last 2 years, but Merseyrail have at least had trains running when I wanted them.
That's more than can be said for the other TOCs I use (TfW, Northern, TPE, Avanti, LNWR...).
When is Avanti and TfW's poor showing through Chester ever going to end (ie restoration of through services)?
Northern is back on the Chester-Man Vic-Leeds run, but I suspect the leg west of Victoria is not their priority.
Reliability on many routes has gone through the floor, as well.
I won't be impressed by TfW until 230s/397s are in service, and Mk4s turn up every day rather than occasionally.
Periodic service blips due to Covid were understandable, but it's been going on far too long.
Having voted for Merseyrail, why are the new trains not earning their keep yet?
Yes, I know these are rhetorical questions, but the taxpayer is footing the bill for all the delays.

 

[dorsetdesiro]

Thumbs up for LNER too, I also liked the old East Coast Trains as VTEC and NXEC both paled in comparison. Never experienced GNER as I unfort travelled just after the changeover to NatEx.

Yes, I agree bring back Stagecoach for SWR! Unlikely as it is supposed to be merging with NatEx which doesn't have a great track record having screwed up with East Coast & East Anglia. Will they return to manage some TOCs for GBR in the future after abandoning UK rail?

It might be great if Stagecoach (if not merging with NatEx) gets to manage SWR for GBR in the future. They may not be perfect i.e. VTEC but they do know South Western very well, I could tell after the first couple of weeks into FirstGroup management in 2017 that trains were arriving regularly late which wasn't much of an issue few months earlier under Stagecoach.

 

[miklcct]

Thanks for the comment, I assumed those different railways would of been largely similar, interesting to know there are differences in quality, again sorry for the combined option.

Not only more frequent service, but Thameslink also has better in-train displays as well - something that's truly to 21-century standard. Not found on Southern though.

Also, TfL Rail is not a small operator - it's the main operator of commuter services into London so I really think it should have a place in the poll, instead of putting some non-National Rail operators here (as they aren't directly comparable to National Rail operators).

 

[Bishopstone]

Find it interesting that GWR is second yet nobody has posted as to why!

Decent fleet of trains; generally helpful and smartly dressed staff; a website with timetables (pretty basic, but rare!); some reasonable fares; consistent First Class offering; a general feeling that they want to attract customers rather than drive them away; good provision of information during disruption; smart stations; Devon is glorious.

I assume people are voting LNER because they like cooked breakfasts.

 

[gimmea50anyday]

I can’t see the Network SouthEast option…..

 

[RailWonderer]

It would have been EMT/R for the last decade or so, but unfortunately things ain't what they used to be.

I've put in South Eastern. Good coverage, regular services that run reasonably late and it's easy to get a seat. Electrostatic are pretty decent. Still quite pricey though, but if I lived nearer I could probably justify a network card.

You must have never used their regional services then. They had a gross shortage of 153s and 156s for years, frequent cancellations, poor service frequencies and filthy interiors and exteriors for years. They provided the worst value for money (admittedly that was a legacy from the BR era) and EMR isn't doing much better in some of those areas.

 

[BayPaul]

Find it interesting that GWR is second yet nobody has posted as to why!

Also given how much slack 80x stock gets on these forums that the two operators which most extensively use them are currently ranked 1 & 2.

I personally find it difficult to pick one considering they serve very different markets and I would suggest have differing expectations.

I voted for GWR for a few reasons: - They've always been pretty good when I use them, They have quietly but effectively done getting on for a full fleet cascade over the last few years, really transforming most services in the west, and have also done some good improvements to timetables - Devon Metro half hourly is a big improvement, as will be the Bristol superfasts when we finally get back to normal. They seem more proactive than many other operators - getting the extra 387s on hire and quickly getting approval to run further with them was an impressive response to the 80x issues. Last but not least, I love the livery, name, logo and famous 5 branding.

 

[RailWonderer]

Picked TPE, because they seem to be the only TOC that realise that the quality "look and feel" of the product, and the quality of that soft product (Fainsa Sophias aside, but I'm thinking stuff like the 397's high number of tables and window alignment that people like) is important. Almost no other TOC/DfT seems to genuinely care about this, with stark interiors and overbright blue lighting being common. They also, unlike their dim past, have pushed to keep a high level of rolling stock to manage overcrowding.

It'd have been Virgin Trains before, but Avanti are now one of the worst. As the staff were pretty much all TUPEd over, there is clearly a serious management problem.

Similarly Chiltern under M40 Trains would have been highly rated, but Arriva have run them into the ground. And LM were great (mostly), but LNR just adequate.

This was why I picked Greater Anglia. Their Aventra and Stadler fleet is class as well. The 745s in first have a similar ambiance to the refurb 185s with their wood panelling and the colour scheme all over is timeless and not stark like other operators like Northern and WMR which seemed to take inspiration from Ryanair and Easyjet gaudiness. GA specced the Stadler fleet, not the DfT hence the premium feel.
GA also have a very well staffed network, friendly and efficient, some of which are very informative here on the forums.
Agree with statements on Virgin/Avanti, LM and LNR and TPE but I still think Chiltern even under Arriva provide a good service, not run into the ground by any means.

 

[yorksrob]

You must have never used their regional services then. They had a gross shortage of 153s and 156s for years, frequent cancellations, poor service frequencies and filthy interiors and exteriors for years. They provided the worst value for money (admittedly that was a legacy from the BR era) and EMR isn't doing much better in some of those areas.

To be fair, I only rarely used their regional services, with the exception of their trans-pennine one between Liverpool and Sheffield which I've used reasonably frequently over the last ten years or so.

Make no mistake - this service was the best across the Pennines for most of this period, with 4 carriage 158's most of the time (TPE were mostly 3 carriage and heavily overcrowded via both Hope and Huddersfield). EMT/R regional was my go-to for most of this time. It's only recently that TPE have taken over.

But you're right - my main reason for having them as the best over this period was their superb IC125 service between London and Wakefield. Reasonable pricing for first class (better in EMT days admittedly), far superior comfort to anything else on the network then or now, the ability to buy a good meal for a reasonable price, decent capacity. Yes, they deserved their position as first during that time.

 

[Kneedown]

EMR. They pay my wages, and my traction knowledge has never been so good since BR days!

 

[Oxfordblues]

My favourite is GB Railfreight, for lots of reasons:

They've opened-up the freight market by offering real choice to potential customers.
They operate all sorts of unlikely trains such as Ludgershall-Dereham and Bicester-Glen Douglas.
Their staff take a genuine pride-in-the-job and it shows in their exemplary performance.
CEO John Smith is a long-standing charismatic railwayman of the old school.
Every one of their Class 66s is a "celebrity" loco.
They're just introduced the first Class 18 at Whitemoor to start replacing the Gronks.
Many more, but I won't bore you....

 

[yorksrob]

My favourite is GB Railfreight, for lots of reasons:

They've opened-up the freight market by offering real choice to potential customers.
They operate all sorts of unlikely trains such as Ludgershall-Dereham and Bicester-Glen Douglas.
Their staff take a genuine pride-in-the-job and it shows in their exemplary performance.
CEO John Smith is a long-standing charismatic railwayman of the old school.
Every one of their Class 66s is a "celebrity" loco.
They're just introduced the first Class 18 at Whitemoor to start replacing the Gronks.
Many more, but I won't bore you....

And they drive Hastings Diesels railtours (most importantly).

 

[PeterY]

I'd find it difficult to vote at the moment because I've rarely travelled by train other than LNWR since the pandemic.

 

[philosopher]

I voted for London Overground as when I have used them they have almost always been on time and their trains serve their purpose as a short distance high density commuter service very well. Their stations are also quite well designed. Southeast are also pretty good with decent trains and are usually pretty punctual.

Of the other operators I frequently use, Virgin / Avanti West Coast are reasonable, their trains are comfortable and they still have a proper buffet area, unlike some of other Intercity operators. They are not the most punctual though, which I suspect is an issue with all the intercity operators. Their delays however tend to be more in the nuisance category. I have not noticed any real change between Virgin and Avanti.

Chiltern used to be a great operator and if this poll was done four years ago I would have voted for them. However in the last few years they have gone downhill, with their services becoming less punctual and more frequently overcrowded. Frequent late boarding at Marylebone and a worse delay compensation scheme compared to most other operators does not help them. That said, when they have no problems, they are quite good.

Southern have comfortable trains, however they can be pretty crowded, even at off-peak times. Thameslink are good for short trips but their seating is ill suited for longer journeys.

South West Trains / Railway I would say are my least favourite. To me, they are probably the least punctual of the Southeast operators. They frequently use trains such as the class 450 and 458 which are more suited to shorter routes on longer routes. They also seem to be more frequently disrupted by engineering work on weekends compared to other Southeast operators. They were never great, but they have definitely got worse when First Group took over.

 

[paul1609]

Is LNER actually a train operating company? I thought it was just a brand of Dft OLR Trains Ltd?

 

[contrex]

I can’t see the Network SouthEast option…..

I can't see the London, Chatham and Dover Railway either.

 

[BluePenguin]

They are all performing badly in different ways. I can’t choose one as my favourite. Some I would rank highly for price and others for train type. A few I rate highly for fast delay repay processing and customer service responses

 

[Parallel]

I voted Grand Central.

I’ve made a few trips with them recently and the trains have always been clean, look presentable and well maintained and I think it has a pretty good livery.

The staff always seem to be constantly present and very pleasant, there is frequently a rubbish collector on board and the catering service is good, with a click and collect service available so you can check what’s in stock first - with the ability to still order from the buffet if you are paying cash. The food offering isn’t bad with a few freebies for first class passengers. I found first class really good, the seats were extremely comfortable with a nice degree of recline.

Many of the APs available are excellent value and all services are non-stop to York. Obviously it does take a bit longer to get to Hartlepool or Sunderland but that’s usually reflected in the price.

All in all, it just seems like a lot of thought and effort has gone into the brand and TOC - and I’ll look forward to travelling with them again next time.

For worst, probably either TfW or SWR. TfW is a mess at the moment but maybe things will improve once the new stock beds in and staffing resource improves. Unfortunately it feels like First Group have made the conscious effort to rip the heart out of South West Trains with SWR.

 

[yorksrob]

I voted Grand Central.

I’ve made a few trips with them recently and the trains have always been clean, look presentable and well maintained and I think it has a pretty good livery.

The staff always seem to be constantly present and very pleasant, there is frequently a rubbish collector on board and the catering service is good, with a click and collect service available so you can check what’s in stock first - with the ability to still order from the buffet if you are paying cash. The food offering isn’t bad with a few freebies for first class passengers. I found first class really good, the seats were extremely comfortable with a nice degree of recline.

Many of the APs available are excellent value and all services are non-stop to York. Obviously it does take a bit longer to get to Hartlepool or Sunderland but that’s usually reflected in the price.

All in all, it just seems like a lot of thought and effort has gone into the brand and TOC - and I’ll look forward to travelling with them again next time.

I do like Grand Central, however there propensity to book out all the seats on a train can be problematic.

 

[najaB]

I do like Grand Central, however there propensity to book out all the seats on a train can be problematic.

Imagine that, a company succeeding in selling their product!

 

[yorksrob]

Imagine that, a company succeeding in selling their product!

Well it's fine to a point, but if I get stuck next to a pillar !

This is preferences as passengers afterall. I've no obligation to consider the health of the company.

 

[AJW12]

Personally put my vote down for LNER - having used them, Avanti, SWR, GWR, Chiltern, LO in the last few months.

I know the circumstances differ but I've never had a journey with LNER cancelled/delayed recently - they've always maintained a high service level post-unlock and I feel like they've really upped their game recently - at-seat ordering, station improvements, and their app is great and really user friendly. Their communications are thorough. And their advance fares seem to be better - I managed to buy a ticket for a train departing in 10 mins for £15 for an 1h30m journey, where the walk-up off-peak fare would've been £42.

SWR sold me a ticket post-confirming their reduced timetable, for a train that didn't exist in the timetable. Avanti are impossible to get advanced fares at the moment as their service is so reduced. GWR cancelled my train last week due to no crew and I got no communication of it; and they seem to still have fleet issues with loads of 5-car services in/out of London that end up packed.

 

[AlastairFraser]

To be fair, I only rarely used their regional services, with the exception of their trans-pennine one between Liverpool and Sheffield which I've used reasonably frequently over the last ten years or so.

Make no mistake - this service was the best across the Pennines for most of this period, with 4 carriage 158's most of the time (TPE were mostly 3 carriage and heavily overcrowded via both Hope and Huddersfield). EMT/R regional was my go-to for most of this time. It's only recently that TPE have taken over.

But you're right - my main reason for having them as the best over this period was their superb IC125 service between London and Wakefield. Reasonable pricing for first class (better in EMT days admittedly), far superior comfort to anything else on the network then or now, the ability to buy a good meal for a reasonable price, decent capacity. Yes, they deserved their position as first during that time.

Surely GC must be a good contender for the best if you're heading London way now? I voted TPE for their comfortable trains, fast and reliable service and great customer service, but I travelled in Grand Central 1st Class from Halifax to London in December at the last and was astonished at the level of comfort and value for money you get from them. Customer service was also exemplary.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Feb 2022 ==

Personally put my vote down for LNER - having used them, Avanti, SWR, GWR, Chiltern, LO in the last few months.

I know the circumstances differ but I've never had a journey with LNER cancelled/delayed recently - they've always maintained a high service level post-unlock and I feel like they've really upped their game recently - at-seat ordering, station improvements, and their app is great and really user friendly. Their communications are thorough. And their advance fares seem to be better - I managed to buy a ticket for a train departing in 10 mins for £15 for an 1h30m journey, where the walk-up off-peak fare would've been £42.

SWR sold me a ticket post-confirming their reduced timetable, for a train that didn't exist in the timetable. Avanti are impossible to get advanced fares at the moment as their service is so reduced. GWR cancelled my train last week due to no crew and I got no communication of it; and they seem to still have fleet issues with loads of 5-car services in/out of London that end up packed.

LNER has the occasional delay, but I agree they are a strong contender for the best, apart from the mandatory reservation scheme that has now ended I believe. Fast,frequent and comfortable service with friendly on-board staff and the best ticket software I've used in the entire industry as you say.

 

[yorksrob]

Surely GC must be a good contender for the best if you're heading London way now? I voted TPE for their comfortable trains, fast and reliable service and great customer service, but I travelled in Grand Central 1st Class from Halifax to London in December at the last and was astonished at the level of comfort and value for money you get from them. Customer service was also exemplary.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Feb 2022 ==


LNER has the occasional delay, but I agree they are a strong contender for the best, apart from the mandatory reservation scheme that has now ended I believe. Fast,frequent and comfortable service with friendly on-board staff and the best ticket software I've used in the entire industry as you say.

Last time I travelled 1st on grand Central, they were very attentive, but with only one 1st class carriage it was very busy.

The nice thing about EMT/R was that because their trains were designed for the peak service, during the off-peak, one could enjoy relative solitude.

Since their HST's have gone, I've not really found 1st to be good value, so my choice of SE was based on it being a good, relaxing service to travel on easily and comfortably.

 

[BluePenguin]

I can't see the London, Chatham and Dover Railway either.

I wonder why….nothing lasts for forever

 

[fgwrich]

Personally put my vote down for LNER - having used them, Avanti, SWR, GWR, Chiltern, LO in the last few months.

I know the circumstances differ but I've never had a journey with LNER cancelled/delayed recently - they've always maintained a high service level post-unlock and I feel like they've really upped their game recently - at-seat ordering, station improvements, and their app is great and really user friendly. Their communications are thorough. And their advance fares seem to be better - I managed to buy a ticket for a train departing in 10 mins for £15 for an 1h30m journey, where the walk-up off-peak fare would've been £42.

SWR sold me a ticket post-confirming their reduced timetable, for a train that didn't exist in the timetable. Avanti are impossible to get advanced fares at the moment as their service is so reduced. GWR cancelled my train last week due to no crew and I got no communication of it; and they seem to still have fleet issues with loads of 5-car services in/out of London that end up packed.

You've just reminded me of another of SWR's irritations - the Evening out ticket. Which inn theory is great... if SWR hasn't thinned out or removed many of the evening services.

LNER's delay repay scheme feels like one of the best as well - last summer I travelled with Caley Sleeper, Avanti and LNER. I did end up with delays on all 3, yet LNER were the only ones to go above and beyond my exceptions by offering me a full no quibble refund. Caley Sleeper denied any delay by pointing me to their own working timetable (despite it's late arrival and missed connections) and Avanti took the longest.

Is LNER actually a train operating company? I thought it was just a brand of Dft OLR Trains Ltd?

They are, along with Northern and SouthEastern. Yet the OLR operations seem to be free of the shackles of the treasury and able to operate as a stand alone company. I believe that's one of the reasons why LNER have been able to announce a return to a full pre covid timetable before anyone else has (SWR again I'm looking at you!)

I can't say I'm surprised to see Chiltern fall from grace too, I can only echo many of the previously said comments - as part of M40 trains, they were innovative, different, somewhat exciting and always well presented. But the Arriva takeover by stealth has, unsurprisingly for Arriva, rather taken away a lot of those features.

 

[yorksrob]

Arguably with Arriva, the rot began to set in with Northern as well.

 

[fgwrich]

Arguably with Arriva, the rot began to set in with Northern as well.

They've always struck me as an odd company, particularly on the bus side. First used to strike me as a Railway company who just about manage a bus business while Stagecoach always struck me as a bus business who happen to have a railway side. Arriva - doesn't know what it wants to do from one day to the next!

 

[AlastairFraser]

Last time I travelled 1st on grand Central, they were very attentive, but with only one 1st class carriage it was very busy.

The nice thing about EMT/R was that because their trains were designed for the peak service, during the off-peak, one could enjoy relative solitude.

Since their HST's have gone, I've not really found 1st to be good value, so my choice of SE was based on it being a good, relaxing service to travel on easily and comfortably.

That's fair, it was reasonably full when I travelled but still quiet and the seats are really comfortable and relaxing.
The HSTs on EMT and other operators had good seats sure, but they were quite tired and slow.
Every time I try to book on EMR, their fares are significantly above WMR/LNER for the Intercity services and they don't run all that late into London, so I understand your frustration in a way.

If you like a service that isn't massively special, but is reliable, reasonably priced and somewhat frequent, then SE fits the bill.
I just really valued the whole experience on GC, probably it depends on which train you take and the timings.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Feb 2022 ==

They've always struck me as an odd company, particularly on the bus side. First used to strike me as a Railway company who just about manage a bus business while Stagecoach always struck me as a bus business who happen to have a railway side. Arriva - doesn't know what it wants to do from one day to the next!

Arriva run a series of mostly unreliable, low-cost operations with little innovation, while their rail operations are either cheap and comfy (Chiltern) or a premium and innovative service (Grand Central) now ATW has gone.
A strange company indeed!