Standard only services with first class stock

[Bringback309s]

Sorry to ask about this old chestnut again, but in years gone past if a service is standard class only but happens to be using stock with first class carriages, you could sit in them with standard fare tickets. Is this still the case? I'm sure it is, if so is it with every company? GWR are using an IEP on the 15.57 Plymouth to Penzance and I'm thinking of trying out first class on it (usually a 150) but my mate tried last week and got told to move apparently.

 

[tiptoptaff]

The above service does not convey first class and thus is declassified. There is no first class fare available for this journey, if you were to chose it on the GWR website, whereas the through Paddingtons either side do have a first class fare available. Any issues tell the TM to call the RIS and have it confirmed.

It is simply a case of seating - no catering is conveyed on the train, as, as you say, it's in the long term plan for a 150, which wouldn't carry it anyway.

 

[Bletchleyite]

The above service does not convey first class and thus is declassified

No. The TOC also has the option to close First Class completely, which they might have done in this case (just like they can lock any other coach out of use for any reason they happen to feel like). In such a case, though, it is not available to First Class ticket holders either.

If it's in use, convention would hold that it is declassified, but I understand from another related thread that this is not in fact written down anywhere!

 

[tiptoptaff]

No. The TOC also has the option to close First Class completely, which they might have done in this case (just like they can lock any other coach out of use for any reason they happen to feel like). In such a case, though, it is not available to First Class ticket holders either.

If it's in use, convention would hold that it is declassified, but I understand from another related thread that this is not in fact written down anywhere!

I can tell you with an extreme degree of confidence, that my employer declassifies the set on this service, and its return working from Penzance.

 

[Bringback309s]

I can tell you with an extreme degree of confidence, that my employer declassifies the set on this service, and its return working from Penzance.

That's good to know, so they're happy for first class being used? - also do you know of any other services in Devon / Cornwall run with declassified stock? I know HSTs sometimes turn un on sprinter diagrams.

 

[gray1404]

Sorry to ask about this old chestnut again, but in years gone past if a service is standard class only but happens to be using stock with first class carriages, you could sit in them with standard fare tickets. Is this still the case? I'm sure it is, if so is it with every company? GWR are using an IEP on the 15.57 Plymouth to Penzance and I'm thinking of trying out first class on it (usually a 150) but my mate tried last week and got told to move apparently.

When your mate was told to move, was it because he didn't have a first class ticket or because that section of the train had been put out of use? Was everyone in there told to move or just him? Just wondering if the TM was taking the view that no one was allowed in there or if they were actually trying to enforce first class on the said service.

 

[yorkie]

Sorry to ask about this old chestnut again, but in years gone past if a service is standard class only but happens to be using stock with first class carriages, you could sit in them with standard fare tickets. Is this still the case? I'm sure it is, if so is it with every company? GWR are using an IEP on the 15.57 Plymouth to Penzance and I'm thinking of trying out first class on it (usually a 150) but my mate tried last week and got told to move apparently.

If a train is advertised as conveying Standard Class only, you may sit in any part of the train that is open for passengers, as the entire train is classified as Standard Class.

If any member of staff tells you to move, then the best thing to do is to pay the upgrade, and immediately claim a refund through Customer Services. This will not only result in you being refunded, but it should also result in suitable advice being given to the staff member. You may also get additional compensation as a gesture of goodwill.

 

[tiptoptaff]

That's good to know, so they're happy for first class being used? - also do you know of any other services in Devon / Cornwall run with declassified stock? I know HSTs sometimes turn un on sprinter diagrams.

Only its return working, which is 2P89, 1916 Penzance-Plymouth. This is a temporary arrangement - it's effectively a driver training set. Once West Country IET training has finished, or enough West Country services are IETs for training to take place effectively, it'll revert to 150 operation.

 

[tiptoptaff]

If any member of staff tells you to move, then the best thing to do is to pay the upgrade, and immediately claim a refund through Customer Services. This will not only result in you being refunded, but it should also result in suitable advice being given to the staff member. You may also get additional compensation as a gesture of goodwill.

Fare more likely for "feedback" to be passed to the TM if they do as I advised and ask them to call control there and then. That way TM is told, directly, that STD tickets are valid and there's no unnecessary outlay on the OP's part.
That said, a 1st class return is only a couple of pounds more, if the OP decides they would like to travel back on a service that conveys a full first class service.

I admit, this may not be practical on some TOCs.

 

[Bringback309s]

When your mate was told to move, was it because he didn't have a first class ticket or because that section of the train had been put out of use? Was everyone in there told to move or just him? Just wondering if the TM was taking the view that no one was allowed in there or if they were actually trying to enforce first class on the said service.

Don't know - I'd told him he could so he was embarrassed when asked to move! He didn't question it and I think was the only one in there