Should First Class be declassified when social distancing on trains is in operation?

[philosopher]

Given the issues in other threads raised by the limited number of people who can travel by a train when social distancing is operation, one way to increase the number of people who could use the trains is to declassify first class.

First class on most trains, particularly those on weekends in my experience is usually empty, with few of the seats occupied. The main attractions of first class are more space, a more comfortable seat, lounge access and complimentary food., With the pandemic, operators are either scaling back or eliminating their complimentary food offerings and closing their lounges. At the same time social distancing means those in standard class if travelling by themselves will have two seats or a table to themselves. That leaves a more comfortable seat as the only remaining perk of first class. Therefore there is very little incentive for passengers to use first class during the pandemic, so it is likely to be even more empty than normal.

So I think operators should declassify first class to ensure that no capacity on trains is wasted when social distancing is in operation. For the operators it could even be beneficial for them to do so if it allows more people to use the trains.

 

[Huntergreed]

Until the pandemic is over and first class catering resumes, given that a seat will be guaranteed due to the needs of social distancing, I think that’s a very good idea. It would allow more capacity to play with and make it easier for providers to open the network up again and make more money.

I do however think, once we get this virus sorted, first class should return.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Until the pandemic is over and first class catering resumes, given that a seat will be guaranteed due to the needs of social distancing, I think that’s a very good idea. It would allow more capacity to play with and make it easier for providers to open the network up again and make more money.

I do however think, once we get this virus sorted, first class should return.

Agreed, though I wouldn't have it return other than on InterCity type services; commuter First Class could really do with going away.

 

[yorksrob]

I think there's an argument for that - first class is an eminently sensible commercial product, however whatever the railway is now, it's not operating on a commercial basis. I also agree that it should return when the crisis abates.

The main issue I can forsee is what if everyone makes a beeline for the comfy seats !

 

[hexagon789]

Yes, I would say that given there is very little point to travelling first class other than for in some cases a better seat I think it makes good sense to declassify all first class and therefore allow everyone to spread out more.

 

[Starmill]

Trains shouldn't leave people behind when Standard is full but there's space in First Class. This applies both to Standard being full in the classic sense and also in the socially distanced sense.

However, this does happen. On one memorable occasion CrossCountry decided they'd rather leave me behind at Motherwell than accommodate me in First (standing) as Standard class ticket holder. It's not possible to force train operators to let people into First. This isn't that rare. Of course, they must pay compensation if they chose to do this and a delay results.

Left Behind at Motherwell

Unfortunately I have just attempted to travel from Motherwell to Edinburgh on the 1218 departure. This was booked in advance as a CrossCountry Only ticket. Unfortunately the train was formed of 4 coaches and not the 8 that were supposed to be, and arrived already full and standing with...

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[Butts]

In Scotland as no one is checking Tickets effectively it already is and has been "free" for the last eight weeks.