Am I wrong to feel aggrieved...?

[Stigy]

If the guard hadnt been through why would it matter? If he had then you say the guard has ok'd it. Nothing else said We all work in together.

If the Guard has been through and Ok'd it, that's fair enough because you've been allowed to sit in First Class. If the Guard has either not been asked or has been asked and refused, then the person, staff or otherwise isn't permitted to use the accommodation and can be subject to the same penalties as fare paying passengers.

 

[ukrob]

If the guard hadnt been through why would it matter? If he had then you say the guard has ok'd it. Nothing else said We all work in together.

I might have read this wrong, so correct me if I have got the wrong end of the stick - are you encouraging rail staff to tell lies to get a perk they are not actually entitled to?

 

[southerner2174]

As a member of railstaff who generally will pay for an advance ticket for 1st class rather than chance it and buy a priv ticket and expect a free upgrade to that category I am completely embarassed by the OP's comments.
I am grateful for the benefits i get and regardless of the ticket i purchase would always be willing to lend a hand if the situation deemed it necessary.
To winge about having to pay extra for what they should have to pay for is extreme arrogance and obviously they feel they are above everyone else.
Attitude like that is what earns other rail staff a extremely bad reputation with the general public.
To the Op all i can say is that you need to get a grip and understand that you are expecting more than your benefits entitle you to and appreciate what you already get..

 

[ukrob]

As a member of railstaff who generally will pay for an advance ticket for 1st class rather than chance it and buy a priv ticket and expect a free upgrade to that category I am completely embarassed by the OP's comments.
I am grateful for the benefits i get and regardless of the ticket i purchase would always be willing to lend a hand if the situation deemed it necessary.
To winge about having to pay extra for what they should have to pay for is extreme arrogance and obviously they feel they are above everyone else.
Attitude like that is what earns other rail staff a extremely bad reputation with the general public.
To the Op all i can say is that you need to get a grip and understand that you are expecting more than your benefits entitle you to and appreciate what you already get..

Agree 100% - an embarrassment to us and the industry. Interesting that they haven't been back to comment.

 

[455refurb]

Interestingly this is similar to the industry I work in (TV) where we have public audiences in for show recordings. There is a ballot for tickets, for big shows you can get good guests / music acts.

I have seen time & time again staff turning up & trying to sneak in with their ID, it really annoys the audience managers and they have to put up with staff blaggers all the time and weed them out. But if you turn up after the public have been admitted & are courteous, respectful, and ask nicely, it's usually not a problem to go in, especially if they are down on numbers. I always ask them & am always happy to be turned away & don't mind if it happens (rarely does).

I'm sure it's the same with guards & 1st class, if I were staff I would ask nicely but be prepared & happy to pay if necessary.

 

[dk1]

I might have read this wrong, so correct me if I have got the wrong end of the stick - are you encouraging rail staff to tell lies to get a perk they are not actually entitled to?

Definatley not.

 

[BestWestern]

Many (most?) Guards will generally be happy to extend perks to colleagues from other firms, but it is an unwritten rule that you ask first! If I came across somebody sat in First, chomping away on the free food, having made no effort whatsoever to ask, I'd consider them to be a necky git who was well and truly taking the p*ss. It's just downright rude not to ask, no excuses.

Also bear in mind that some TOC's are tighter on it that others, FGW have recently briefed all staff about the importance of not travelling in First illegitimately.

 

[Flamingo]

What everyone else said. Learn some manners.

 

[charlie873]

Heart breakin story that mate.

 

[jon0844]

What do people think?

I know this is a forum and designed for discussion, but you don't actually want to know what I think!

 

[tirphil]

I never sit in first and never ask the guard if I can either. However, if they offer, and most do, then I thank them and take them up on their offer.

 

[jaigee]

One thing that has bugged me occasionally is that when travelling FC in a party of 3 or 4 on a CC 170 or a LM 350 we find the coveted table seats occupied by uniformed staff and have to sit separated.

Only once have any of them offered to relocate, usually you are just ignored.

 

[Mr Spock]

I get a bit peeved with TM;s/guards allowing members of staff to not only travel free but allow them in first class as well.

Can just imagine something like this:

East Coast train in edinburgh station and member of public approaches TM

MofP - Hi I have an advance ticket but missed my booked train is there any chance that I can travel on this one to Newcastle.

TM - Sorry but you will have to buy a new ticket as that one is no longer valid, if you go to the booking office you will possibly get one cheaper than I can sell as I can only do full price ones.

MofP - Ok just thought I would ask and wanders off to BO.

2 minutes later member of staff walks up.

Staff - Excuse me mate but I work for "a rail company", (shows ID) is there any chance that I can get on this train to Newcastle.

TM - Yeah no problem mate you can travel first if you like as there will be plenty of room there.

Staff - Cheers mate very decent of you.

So the person who has paid for a ticket has to now buy a new ticket to get home while the person who has no ticket and does not want to pay for one is allowed to travel in first class for free because he is "staff."

What a load of nonsense but I would not expect anything different as its all down to the "we are one big family" thing which to be quite honest is a load of c**p and it is about time you staff realised it.

Be grateful for the perks that you get.

 

[Clip]

I get a bit peeved with TM;s/guards allowing members of staff to not only travel free but allow them in first class as well.

Can just imagine something like this:

East Coast train in edinburgh station and member of public approaches TM

MofP - Hi I have an advance ticket but missed my booked train is there any chance that I can travel on this one to Newcastle.

TM - Sorry but you will have to buy a new ticket as that one is no longer valid, if you go to the booking office you will possibly get one cheaper than I can sell as I can only do full price ones.

MofP - Ok just thought I would ask and wanders off to BO.

2 minutes later member of staff walks up.

Staff - Excuse me mate but I work for "a rail company", (shows ID) is there any chance that I can get on this train to Newcastle.

TM - Yeah no problem mate you can travel first if you like as there will be plenty of room there.

Staff - Cheers mate very decent of you.

So the person who has paid for a ticket has to now buy a new ticket to get home while the person who has no ticket and does not want to pay for one is allowed to travel in first class for free because he is "staff."

What a load of nonsense but I would not expect anything different as its all down to the "we are one big family" thing which to be quite honest is a load of c**p and it is about time you staff realised it.

Be grateful for the perks that you get.

i dont work for EC but even if someone tried that on my trains i would tell them to at least buy the bloody priv ticket and not just give the free travel full stop. Or if they had them - use a box and then sit in first..
In fact when i knew all the KX crew I never asked them for free travel at all, just if i could sit in 1st with my purchased priv ticket if it was heaving in standard, as it normally was going up to the football.

I only get free on my TOC and thats how it should be

 

[Skimble19]

You got FOUR sarnies on EC and you're still aggreived!! Amazing...

Don't tell Failed Unit that..!! I'm tempted to quote that in the other thread though, just to prove it does happen!

 

[talltim]

The answers in this thread seem to be a bit ambivalent. Can anyone give a definative answer?

 

[schwa]

I get a bit peeved with TM;s/guards allowing members of staff to not only travel free but allow them in first class as well.

Can just imagine something like this:

East Coast train in edinburgh station and member of public approaches TM

MofP - Hi I have an advance ticket but missed my booked train is there any chance that I can travel on this one to Newcastle.

TM - Sorry but you will have to buy a new ticket as that one is no longer valid, if you go to the booking office you will possibly get one cheaper than I can sell as I can only do full price ones.

MofP - Ok just thought I would ask and wanders off to BO.

2 minutes later member of staff walks up.

Staff - Excuse me mate but I work for "a rail company", (shows ID) is there any chance that I can get on this train to Newcastle.

TM - Yeah no problem mate you can travel first if you like as there will be plenty of room there.

Staff - Cheers mate very decent of you.

So the person who has paid for a ticket has to now buy a new ticket to get home while the person who has no ticket and does not want to pay for one is allowed to travel in first class for free because he is "staff."

What a load of nonsense but I would not expect anything different as its all down to the "we are one big family" thing which to be quite honest is a load of c**p and it is about time you staff realised it.

Be grateful for the perks that you get.

Are you staff on the railways? I'll assume not.

For the purposes of your post I will assume that for some reason you are aggrieved/sour and had you been in that member of staff, been quite happy to accept the free ride.

 

[fulshaw]

Interestingly this is similar to the industry I work in (TV) where we have public audiences in for show recordings. There is a ballot for tickets, for big shows you can get good guests / music acts.

I have seen time & time again staff turning up & trying to sneak in with their ID, it really annoys the audience managers and they have to put up with staff blaggers all the time and weed them out. But if you turn up after the public have been admitted & are courteous, respectful, and ask nicely, it's usually not a problem to go in, especially if they are down on numbers. I always ask them & am always happy to be turned away & don't mind if it happens (rarely does).

I'm sure it's the same with guards & 1st class, if I were staff I would ask nicely but be prepared & happy to pay if necessary.

Funny. This reminds me of when I went to see a comedy show being recorded at the BBC a few years back. Tickets are always over-allocated in case of no shows and to ensure a full house. It was my birthday and was really looking forward to seeing the show but despite leaving 2 hours to get to TV Centre I was later than hoped, joined a long queue before everyone from 25 people in front were turned away as they were full.

Some guy then started f'ing and blinding with the poor attendant and a fight almost ensued. I stuck around and as Mr Agro was being escorted away, I went up to the attendant and politely asked if there was any chance of getting in and he calmly looked down at his board and said' Oh, yes, here's your name' - whilst pointing to some production notes- and waived me into the studio with a smile. Moral is - be polite!

 

[Scotrail84]

I am a member of railway staff (I work for one of the TOCs) and have just been charged the (whopping) £25 upgrade to travel in First Class from London Kings Cross to Leeds.

This is the first journey in a long while where I've been charged - I'm wondering if it is because of the free food that is now being offered. I received 4 sandwiches, a can of orange juice and a piece of lemon shortbread, served in a somewhat grudging fashion.

I know I should always expect to have to pay the upgrade, but 99% of the time, the Guards / Conductors don't seem to charge staff. Indeed, I travelled in First without paying from Manningtree to London earlier today. I'd never sit in First during the week, but weekends are a different matter. So I can't help feeling just the tiniest bit miffed.

What do people think?

Here son yer entitled to hee haw so dinny complain. Im sure you could complain to the toc that you didny get 1st class for free but mind an tell them your not entilted to f**k all because it will go down well. With a bit of luck you might just keep your job and maybe your passes.

Some folk want everything for nothing and more. :roll:

 

[Mr Spock]

Are you staff on the railways? I'll assume not.

For the purposes of your post I will assume that for some reason you are aggrieved/sour and had you been in that member of staff, been quite happy to accept the free ride.

Actually I am ex staff and when I use/used my privileges I always did so correctly - filled in a box or bought a ticket before boarding a train.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

I received 4 sandwiches, a can of orange juice and a piece of lemon shortbread, served in a somewhat grudging fashion.

Sandwiches?
My seat neighbour last Sunday (Glasgow-Euston), paying full-fare 1st class, was told by VT that sandwiches were available at the shop in standard (to be paid for) if she wanted more than coffee and crisps.

 

[Solent&Wessex]

I o


Be grateful for the perks that you get.

What you must remember is that not everyone gets the same perks, and that is why this happens.

Staff who are classified as "protected" (ie entered employment with British Rail before 1st April 1996) get an allocation of free travel days, plus discounted travel at other times. Those staff who entered service after 31st March 1996 are classified as "New Entrants" and get no free travel entitlement at all, only getting the discount of full price tickets - which normally works out more than most off peak or Advance fares on sale to the public.

You also get the situation where "protected" staff get free and discounted travel in retirement, whilst "New Entrants", once retired or leaving service get absolutely nothing, not even discounted travel.

I'm afraid, until such time as ALL staff get the same "perks" then this is bound to continue.

What gets on my wick is that the dependent of a retired can, up to age 25, get free travel. Whilst I, as a current employee, get diddly squat.

 

[craigwilson]

Sandwiches?
My seat neighbour last Sunday (Glasgow-Euston), paying full-fare 1st class, was told by VT that sandwiches were available at the shop in standard (to be paid for) if she wanted more than coffee and crisps.

I think this is because Virgin do the 1st Class Weekend upgrades, so there'll be loads of passengers upgrading from Standard. So they pare down the first class service, as there's not so much of a price difference.

During the week, when no upgrades exist, the food service is much better.

With the whole upgrade thing, and I don't intend to be mean here, more fool her for paying full 1st Class fare at a weekend!

 

[Mr Spock]

I hear what you say but unfortunately thats life and people know what is available when they take the job on and should accept that there are differences.

Its my understanding that staff get "free" travel all the time on their own (and sometimes sister) TOC's which could be worth a lot more than some free boxes.

I accept (even though I think its wrong) that some staff will allow others to travel for free and that is their choice but object to the moaning that takes place when staff are asked to pay.

 

[ANorthernGuard]

I hear what you say but unfortunately thats life and people know what is available when they take the job on and should accept that there are differences.

Its my understanding that staff get "free" travel all the time on their own (and sometimes sister) TOC's which could be worth a lot more than some free boxes.

I accept (even though I think its wrong) that some staff will allow others to travel for free and that is their choice but object to the moaning that takes place when staff are asked to pay.

why do you think its wrong?? are we not allowed any perks left (we put up with enough cr*p as it is)

 

[bluenoxid]

Perks are perks. I get a company car. You get free rail travel. I get a nice air conditioned office. You get ... to deal with the lovely public.

 

[ANorthernGuard]

Perks are perks. I get a company car. You get free rail travel. I get a nice air conditioned office. You get ... to deal with the lovely public.

lucky bugger lol (but we get the fri/sat nights Totty expresses) hehe

 

[bluenoxid]

A slow drive through Sheffield or Leeds in the evening does me for the week

 

[ANorthernGuard]

A slow drive through Sheffield or Leeds in the evening does me for the week

hehe

 

[Clip]

Staff who are classified as "protected" (ie entered employment with British Rail before 1st April 1996) get an allocation of free travel days, plus discounted travel at other times. Those staff who entered service after 31st March 1996 are classified as "New Entrants" and get no free travel entitlement at all, only getting the discount of full price tickets - which normally works out more than most off peak or Advance fares on sale to the public.

I much prefer the flexibility of my priv though when i go to football - not constrained by the ticket home

Perks are perks. I get a company car. You get free rail travel. I get a nice air conditioned office. You get ... to deal with the lovely public.

Remember - its only free if your lucky enough to have boxes or on your own TOC - and i only use my own TOC in the whole when i travel from station to station for work - not really a perk of 'free travel' for me.