First class obsolete?

[Deepgreen]

I hate it when you cannot predict where 1st class will be on the platform. Southern 377s are easy as they are both ends of the train. But a SWT 444 it could be at the front or back.

Southern also actually label their first class well with the huge yellow stripes, whereas SWT's feeble blue dots are terrible. The 700s are a mess too, with their seemingly-permanent de-classification at one end (so soon after delivery too!).

 

[GodAtum]

Southern also actually label their first class well with the huge yellow stripes, whereas SWT's feeble blue dots are terrible. The 700s are a mess too, with their seemingly-permanent de-classification at one end (so soon after delivery too!).

It's not so much the labelling, if I'm at the front of a 10 car train in rush hour, there is no way I can make it to the 1st class at the rear in time.

 

[Deepgreen]

It's not so much the labelling, if I'm at the front of a 10 car train in rush hour, there is no way I can make it to the 1st class at the rear in time.

Quite true, but at least you have a little more notice if the outside of the train is clearly marked. The fragmentation of the network into various TOCs has seen a perfectly good livery standard disappear. When I catch my morning train (booked as a 377/6) I try to place myself such that I can get to the first class at the front or rear as soon as I see the yellow stripe's position as the train approaches.

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Another sign to look out for (hopefully consistent with all TOCs) is for the electrical block cover of the coupler to be painted yellow at the end with 1st class

 

[AlterEgo]

Another sign to look out for (hopefully consistent with all TOCs) is for the electrical block cover of the coupler to be painted yellow at the end with 1st class

Not consistent among TOCs...

 

[tsr]

Quite true, but at least you have a little more notice if the outside of the train is clearly marked. The fragmentation of the network into various TOCs has seen a perfectly good livery standard disappear. When I catch my morning train (booked as a 377/6) I try to place myself such that I can get to the first class at the front or rear as soon as I see the yellow stripe's position as the train approaches.

I'm very much of the opinion that only First Class ticket holders are actually regularly able to understand what the yellow stripe means, particularly on commuter/regional TOCs like Southern and Southeastern.

I would never have known before I had interest in, or employment on, the railways, which was when I was a predominantly Standard Class passenger, and I'm sure that even if you pointed to it and said "what does that mean?", most passengers would just give you a funny look and shrug.

Given how many people simply don't notice the stickers on the windows, white antimacassars, green and white stripes on the doors, massive "First Class" lettering on the outside, penalty fares notices etc. - aside from your regular faredodgers and chancers - it makes you wonder if it's ever noticed much at all nowadays.

 

[HH]

Not consistent among TOCs...

Not even within the same owning group, e.g. GTR vs Southeastern.

This is the sort of area where DfT ought to slap them down; the problem is that they're not up to the job. Not even remotely. But then, you pay (relative) peanuts... (for those who are not aware, DfT has some very interesting jobs on offer, but the level of pay at which they pitch them at is never, ever, going to attract high quality candidates. Essentially what they end up with is junior managers in senior managers positions. If they're lucky; sometimes they just get "never will be managers" instead.

OK, to be extra fair, once in a blue moon they get a good person. Once in a blue moon.

 

[SpacePhoenix]

If the DfT were to make the use of a yellow stripe mandatory for all TOCs to denote 1st class, would any TOC's livery be a problem with regards to contrast of colours between the stripe and the main livery?

 

[Bletchleyite]

If the DfT were to make the use of a yellow stripe mandatory for all TOCs to denote 1st class, would any TOC's livery be a problem with regards to contrast of colours between the stripe and the main livery?

Can't think of one. Only Network Rail and Merseyrail use all-over yellow, and denoting class on those is rather unnecessary

The other thing I'd like to see is more confirmation of Standard, both in terms of a big 2 (technically 3 I know ) or S by the doors, and in terms of internal stickers. Most countries other than the UK actively indicate both.

 

[Joe Paxton]

The other thing I'd like to see is more confirmation of Standard, both in terms of a big 2 (technically 3 I know ) or S by the doors, and in terms of internal stickers. Most countries other than the UK actively indicate both.

I don't see the point in that. Neither, seemingly, do any of the train operators.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I don't see the point in that. Neither, seemingly, do any of the train operators.

Every other European operator does. It's avoidance of ambiguity. You hear of people asking "is this First Class" enough.

 

[trainophile]

Every other European operator does. It's avoidance of ambiguity. You hear of people asking "is this First Class" enough.

As heard on London Midland last Saturday, but more in a tone of disbelief! I was only in 1st because for some reason the earliest Standard ticket I could get (from Hereford to Liverpool changing at BHM) was 1139 from HFD and I wanted to get the 0739. To be fair I was booking the night before.