Asked to Move to Rear Portion for GWR Weekend First

[Essexman]

I’m travelling from Newton Abbot to Paddington and initially sat in the front set of a 10 car set intending to pay Weekend First. The steward bringing refreshments round looked at my ticket and said she’d speak to the Train Manager. She came back and said that as there was no TM in the front portion would I move to the rear at Exeter so I could upgrade. She was very apologetic.

I have done so and paid the upgrade but wondered if it’s normal to ask people to move.

 

[yorkie]

That doesn't seem right to me; it would be interesting to see what GWR's policy is.

 

[Monty]

That doesn't seem right to me; it would be interesting to see what GWR's policy is.

https://www.gwr.com/plan-journey/tickets-railcards-and-season-tickets/weekend-upgrades

Interestingly enough it says speak to a member of the onboard staff to check for availability rather than sit down and wait for the guard/TM to see you. Curious, as the latter is pretty much how it works on SWR.

Edit: Just checked SWR's website, they have altered the wording on their website too...

 

[embers25]

A trolley crew in only one half is very common and so you often have to leave your reserved seat and switch halves to get your complimentary service in First Class. To be fair, it's still better than running as 5 car as there are enough short forms as it is!

 

[Essexman]

There was a trolley in both portions with very helpful staff but only a Train Manager in the rear set.

 

[yorkie]

It would put me off travelling with them and I wouldn't be doing the upgrade after that, out of principle.

 

[[.n]]

https://www.gwr.com/plan-journey/tickets-railcards-and-season-tickets/weekend-upgrades

Interestingly enough it says speak to a member of the onboard staff to check for availability rather than sit down and wait for the guard/TM to see you. Curious, as the latter is pretty much how it works on SWR.

Edit: Just checked SWR's website, they have altered the wording on their website too...

It’s easy to upgrade, the price just depends on the number of zones you travel through. When you’re on board, talk to one of our friendly team. They’ll let you know if any seats are available.

You can upgrade to a Weekend First ticket when booking your ticket or asking a guard on board your train.

The real con is SWR Zone C [on the SWML] - there's not even a buffet trolley on board, let alone any complimentary snacks etc. and of course the new sub standard 1st class to boot!!!!

 

[Bletchleyite]

It would put me off travelling with them and I wouldn't be doing the upgrade after that, out of principle.

I wouldn't upgrade on GWR anyway, it simply is not worth the money; the accommodation just isn't enough of an uplift for the price in my book.

 

[Bletchleyite]

The real con is SWR Zone C [on the SWML] - there's not even a buffet trolley on board, let alone any complimentary snacks etc. and of course the new sub standard 1st class to boot!!!!

Another "absolutely not" - under no circumstances will I pay extra for an "upgrade" to 2+2 1st.