Night Riviera sleeper and Rail Staff Travel

[Swannster]

I'm a holder of a first class Staff travel pass as a dependent of an active worker. It's not a company specific one but one valid on all routes. What I want to know is if this is valid on the Night Riviera sleeper in any way (whether as a cabin or just in the seating section). I tried asking First Great Western directly but the Indian on the other end of the phone didn't know what I was talking about and tried to sell me a full fare ticket. Also tried ringing Rail Staff Travel Ltd. but they were very vague about it.

Does anyone know concretely whether I'd be able to get this train?

Thanks.

 

[Roylang]

I'm a holder of a first class Staff travel pass as a dependent of an active worker. It's not a company specific one but one valid on all routes. What I want to know is if this is valid on the Night Riviera sleeper in any way (whether as a cabin or just in the seating section). I tried asking First Great Western directly but the Indian on the other end of the phone didn't know what I was talking about and tried to sell me a full fare ticket. Also tried ringing Rail Staff Travel Ltd. but they were very vague about it.

Does anyone know concretely whether I'd be able to get this train?

Thanks.

Don't know the answer but I am sure that the nationality of the person you spoke to will not aid you in gaining an answer.

Roy

 

[Swannster]

Don't know the answer but I am sure that the nationality of the person you spoke to will not aid you in gaining an answer.

Roy

I meant that more in the sense that he didn't understand what I was asking. I stated repeatedly that I needed advice about this particular service, rather that having a ticket sold to me. This was on the official 'ticket advice' hotline by the way.

 

[Roylang]

I meant that more in the sense that he didn't understand what I was asking. I stated repeatedly that I needed advice about this particular service, rather that having a ticket sold to me. This was on the official 'ticket advice' hotline by the way.

And that was all you needed to say. If you feel there is an issue with the service being provided from overseas (if that was the case) then say so. As it is written the nationality of the person in question is the issue, not their competence, location or understanding.

Roy

 

[Swannster]

I do see what you mean, it was more a complaint about the fact that First see the need to outsource this kind of service overseas. No offence intended, I assure you. More... poor eloquence on my part.

 

[yorkie]

http://www.atoc.org/clientfiles/File/RSTDocuments/NewArticles/SUMMER%202011%20STAFF%20TRAVEL%20RESTRICTIONS%20-%20APPROVEDv5.pdf

No restriction listed for FGW sleepers.

Therefore I can only assume it's valid in the seats as normal, and that you could upgrade to a berth by paying for a berth supplement (I do not know if there is a PRIV discount on the supplement).

If PRIV discounts do not apply to the supplement it may be cheaper to buy a PRIV-discounted berth-inclusive ticket instead.

I would advise contacting FGW Telesales.

 

[Swannster]

http://www.atoc.org/clientfiles/File/RSTDocuments/NewArticles/SUMMER%202011%20STAFF%20TRAVEL%20RESTRICTIONS%20-%20APPROVEDv5.pdf

No restriction listed for FGW sleepers.

Therefore I can only assume it's valid in the seats as normal, and that you could upgrade to a berth by paying for a berth supplement (I do not know if there is a PRIV discount on the supplement).

If PRIV discounts do not apply to the supplement it may be cheaper to buy a PRIV-discounted berth-inclusive ticket instead.

I would advise contacting FGW Telesales.

I'm making the same assumption based on that list on the atoc website. The FGW telesales phoneline links me back to my previous issues of an overseas call centre and reluctance to give advice.

I'm travelling from Exeter to London, the trains leaves Exeter at 1am, so I'm slightly reluctant to commit to trying to catch a train that might not let me on at that time of night.

If anyone has travelled on this train, please let me know.

Thanks, Swannster

 

[bnm]

I do see what you mean, it was more a complaint about the fact that First see the need to outsource this kind of service overseas. No offence intended, I assure you. More... poor eloquence on my part.

Actually First Rail's Customer Service hasn't been outsourced. Their CS subsidiary, formerly FirstInfo Ltd, was bought by an Indian company, Intelenet Global Services which itself has just been bought by UK company Serco!

Typically, Telesales calls will be picked up by a call centre in India but general information about FGW train services should still be answered by someone in Plymouth. After dialling 08457 000 125, go for option 4, unless you are actually wanting to buy a ticket over the phone. If the CS advisor can't help you out then and there then politely ask if they can find the correct information for you and call you back. I find that usually works when I have what may be regarded as an unusual request.

May I suggest going for that 'option 4' (alternative direct number if you don't have inclusive 0845 calls - 01752 675653) rather than Telesales, who are only really trained to sell tickets to the general public, stating that you are after some specific information regarding staff travel and that if the CS Advisor hasn't got that info to hand, then politely requesting they contact someone who has and get back to you.

 

[Swannster]

Actually First Rail's Customer Service hasn't been outsourced. Their CS subsidiary, formerly FirstInfo Ltd, was bought by an Indian company, Intelenet Global Services which itself has just been bought by UK company Serco!

Typically, Telesales calls will be picked up by a call centre in India but general information about FGW train services should still be answered by someone in Plymouth. After dialling 08457 000 125, go for option 4, unless you are actually wanting to buy a ticket over the phone. If the CS advisor can't help you out then and there then politely ask if they can find the correct information for you and call you back. I find that usually works when I have what may be regarded as an unusual request.

May I suggest going for that 'option 4' rather than Telesales, stating that you are after some specific information regarding staff travel and that if the CS Advisor hasn't got that info to hand, then politely requesting they contact someone who has and get back to you.

I'll try option 4, thanks!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
FGW Customer Services told me to call Rail Staff Travel Ltd. Who told me they were unsure and that I should call FGW. I sense that I'm going around in circles!

 

[bnm]

Sorry to hear that. It looks like you are going to have to escalate your query up to a complaint with both FGW and Rail Staff Travel. Try FGW again first, ask them if they can get the information you require from Fares Implementation Dept at Swindon. After all, it should be FGW who provide the information to Rail Staff Travel Ltd on what they'll allow with the different flavours of PRIVs on the Sleeper.

Privatised railway? Dontcha just love it? :roll:

 

[Swannster]

I'm half tempted to find out in the most practical way - that is, to make my journey down to Exeter, then just ask the Train Manager of the night train when it arrives at 1 in the morning. I'd be able to get the official line from him/her then, without having to spend the rest of today dealing this. If I'm not allowed on the train, I'll just wander around Exeter until the 05:46 to Paddington. And at least I'll know what's what for future journeys, and I can let people know on here if there are any similar queries.

Or I could stay at home at listen to the football match I want to go to on the radio...

 

[AlterEgo]

AFAIK there is no Priv discount on the berth supplement, although you're welcome to use a Priv-discounted SOS/SOR on the service.

If you want a berth, you'd have to pay the supplement, I believe.

 

[Swannster]

AFAIK there is no Priv discount on the berth supplement, although you're welcome to use a Priv-discounted SOS/SOR on the service.

If you want a berth, you'd have to pay the supplement, I believe.

Any idea about the normal seated area? Or is that what you meant by the "Priv-discounted SOS/SOR on the service"?

 

[bnm]

I'm half tempted to find out in the most practical way - that is, to make my journey down to Exeter, then just ask the Train Manager of the night train when it arrives at 1 in the morning. I'd be able to get the official line from him/her then, without having to spend the rest of today dealing this. If I'm not allowed on the train, I'll just wander around Exeter until the 05:46 to Paddington. And at least I'll know what's what for future journeys, and I can let people know on here if there are any similar queries.

Or I could stay at home at listen to the football match I want to go to on the radio...

You'll definitely be allowed on the train, as your PRIV allows you, at the very least, seated accommodation and FGW Sleepers do not require compulsory booking for seats (even if there's no seats (unlikely) you can still stand!) Then if a berth is available you may have to pay the full berth supplement (£45), a PRIV discounted berth supplement, or least likely, a free upgrade to a berth.

EDIT. Why not just buy the PRIV discounted berth inclusive Sleeper Open Solo for the journey you intend to make. That should cost you £27.25*.

*Bookable up to 2359 on the day before travel. So from Exeter that would mean 25h1m before the Sleeper's scheduled departure of 0100.

 

[Swannster]

You'll definitely be allowed on the train, as your PRIV allows you, at the very least, seated accommodation and FGW Sleepers do not require compulsory booking for seats (even if there's no seats (unlikely) you can still stand!) Then if a berth is available you may have to pay the full berth supplement (£45), a PRIV discounted berth supplement, or least likely, a free upgrade to a berth.

EDIT. Why not just buy the PRIV discounted berth inclusive Sleeper Open Solo for the journey you intend to make. That should cost you £27.25.

If I'm definitely going to be able to get on the train, I'll go down and make my decision closer to the time. Because the journey is only 1:00 to 5:15 (or something similar) I wouldn't have thought a berth would matter too much to me as the journey is so short. Plus, I'd fall asleep anywhere!

Thanks for the advice guys. Much appreciated.

 

[AlterEgo]

Any idea about the normal seated area? Or is that what you meant by the "Priv-discounted SOS/SOR on the service"?

I believe you should be allowed to travel in the seated area with a normal Priv-discounted Anytime ticket.

 

[Swannster]

I believe you should be allowed to travel in the seated area with a normal Priv-discounted Anytime ticket.

I'll risk it, and let you know what happens. At the end of the day, if I can't stretch my (very limited unemployed student) budget far enough for whatever ticket I have to get, I'll wait for the early morning train to London.

 

[bnm]

I believe you should be allowed to travel in the seated area with a normal Priv-discounted Anytime ticket.

Interestingly the PRIV discounted Anytime Single is £26.15. The Sleeper Open Solo inclusive of berth with PRIV is £27.25.

Even if it is only 5 hours or so, I know which one I'd buy! Not forgetting you can stay in your berth until 0700 at Paddington.

 

[Swannster]

Interestingly the PRIV discounted Anytime Single is £26.15. The Sleeper Open Solo inclusive of berth with PRIV is £27.25.

Even if it is only 5 hours or so, I know which one I'd buy! Not forgetting you can stay in your berth until 0700 at Paddington.

I've slept in worse places than a train carriage. I'll survive

...so long as there isn't someone snoring loudly nearby!

 

[bnm]

I've slept in worse places than a train carriage. I'll survive

...so long as there isn't someone snoring loudly nearby!

Pay that little bit extra for the Sleeper Open Solo and you get free access to Volo TV in your berth!

 

[AlterEgo]

Interestingly the PRIV discounted Anytime Single is £26.15. The Sleeper Open Solo inclusive of berth with PRIV is £27.25.

Even if it is only 5 hours or so, I know which one I'd buy! Not forgetting you can stay in your berth until 0700 at Paddington.

Well spotted...!

That is a remarkably reasonable price.

 

[Roylang]

Pay that little bit extra for the Sleeper Open Solo and you get free access to Volo TV in your berth!

Do you really think it is worth paying for? I am yet to find anything to watch on it and would rather just listen to an iPod.

Roy

 

[ainsworth74]

I am yet to find anything to watch on it and would rather just listen to an iPod.

It had some Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother on it when I used the sleeper a few weeks ago. They're pretty good.

 

[glenbogle]

I've slept in worse places than a train carriage. I'll survive

...so long as there isn't someone snoring loudly nearby!

You get ear plugs in the toiletry bag, well you did last year!

 

[bnm]

....and Night Riviera Sleeper berth customers get complimentary refreshments onboard, a morning wake-up call and complimentary breakfast, as well as access to the 1st Class lounge, with it's complimentary refreshments, on arrival at Paddington.

 

[RPI]

There are no restictions on the FGW sleepers for staff travel, unlike the Scotrail sleepers they are not "compulsory reserve" but it is quite often that the seated coaches are full on thurs/fri nights in both directions and Sundays on the up so the berth option can be worthwhile as free pass holders who are not retired must give up their seats for fare paying passengers when required.

 

[QJ]

I have travelled on the Night Riviera quite often - usuallly in the seating accommodation using PRIV free travel. No problem encountered using PRIV on the train other than groups of well oiled and loud (fare dodging it seemed to me) student types getting on at Exeter and getting off in Newton Abbot.

The only issue is that you cannot get the discounted berths if any are free on the train. The full supplement is payable. However, as already suggested, paying in advance for the PRIV fare that includes the sleeper berth is the best value unless you are happy in the first class style seating accommodation using your free travel entitlement.