Wigan - Preston.

[WestCoast]

It would be far cheaper, and more cost effective, if Virgin want to collect those £6-10 fares, to employ ticket sellers who would go up and down the line checking & selling tickets. Barriers cost a fortune and still need to be manned.

True, Virgin could put an RPI between Wigan - Lancaster to help the guard check tickets. A Warrington - Lancaster off-peak day return is £16.40. I know quite a few TOCs have an assistant on busy services, and I am sure I've seen EMT putting an extra ticket checker on the Leicester - Sheffield portion of their London services? I just think that EMT and East Coast (and possibly FGW?) are far more concerned about short-distance revenue than Virgin is.

 

[yorkie]

I just think that EMT and East Coast (and possibly FGW?) are far more concerned about short-distance revenue than Virgin is.

Nothing to do with franchise commitments then?

 

[Lampshade]

True, Virgin could put an RPI between Wigan - Lancaster to help the guard check tickets.

They do occasionally, usually covering the front couple of coaches.

 

[WestCoast]

Nothing to do with franchise commitments then?

It probably has a lot to do with that! On a more human level, if people see they won't be challenged for a ticket, they may chance it next time and that goes for many routes. The question is: will the new InterCity West Coast franchise change anything?

They do occasionally, usually covering the front couple of coaches.

Haven't seen anyone for a good long while, but admittedly I do travel on the route on Saturdays, so that probably is the reason. However, it's fairly busy all week - including at night! The denied LM stopper Preston - Birmingham would have been well used.