YP Railcard

[Daniel]

memorex, I didn't think you could get work experience placements to work on board the train when you're under 18. I thought there were some kind of health and safety laws (or that's what I was told :confused.

How did you manage to get one?

I had a placement at St. Pancras station. If the DSM and the TM were happy for me to go onto a train, and I was given a ticket - (so I was covered by insurance), I could go .

Many of the jobs people do on work experiance would be illigal if they were being paid.

The thing I find STUPID, was that on my placement I was working 8 hours a day 5 days a week, (with an extra 5 on Saturday the 2nd week).

If I was working, I could work 2 hours weekdays, 5 hours saturdays and 1 on Sunday.

I know you behave in First Class memorex, as I've travelled with you in First Class! I admit, that evening I made more mess in First Class than you did, that's for sure!

I'm surprised you think that, I distinctly remember being hyper-active due to us sharing 2 litres of coke.

 

[Techniquest]

And it was Diet Coke if you remember...:-P

You were certainly behaved compared to many of the other passengers I had on my trains later...

 

[Daniel]

OOOH, you didn't hear about the police being involved after you'd left at Derby....

 

[Techniquest]

hock:hock:hock:

What the hell happened? Surely you and Jim weren't bellowing THAT loudly?

 

[Daniel]

lol no. 2 gents were in our carriage, got abusive to the female TM when she asked them to move, (as they were on SC tix). Ended up in the BTP at STP, £80 on-the-spot thanks to Jim, me and the TM picking them out of the crowd and giving a brief statement etc.

 

[Techniquest]

Oh right, any rewards at all?

Good on you though, fair play!

 

[Daniel]

No rewards, except for the fact the DSM recognised me on work ex :P

 

[AlexS]

Can't say I've ever received attitude from any rail staff because of my age. But then, my local guards and ticket office staff at the station I use regularly know me by now (I use the same trains at the same time each week, and since Shrewsbury is a small depot the staff tend to work the same diagrams). Even then, I find if you're polite and mind your P's and Q's, (holding a valid ticket also counts!) then you don't have any problems.

Of course, if you do have any problems, get your own back on them by watching what they're doing and quoting the rule book at them. Worked a treat on a slightly overzealous dispatcher at Loughborough once.

As for YP discounts in first class, no I don't agree with discounts - you can get first class upgrades on YP savers of a weekend, but of a weekday, I consider encouraging students and business folk to mix a bad plan.

 

[16CSVT2700]

I consider encouraging students/teens and business folk to mix a bad plan.

Especially when this person doesn't like business types

 

[tedted]

A word of advice: if you want to travel on a YP before 10:00am and don't want to pay the minimum fare, buy an AP. You can use your YP to travel in FC as well! In a few weeks time, I shall exploit this. Depart from Chesterfield almost two hours before the minimum fare is waived. And travel in FC. And for less than £20 as well! Hoorah!

 

[Techniquest]

Yeah, but that doesn't always work...

Certainly doesn't if you decide on the morning of the bash where you're going to...Which tends to happen a lot with me. Indeed, a lot of times I've been bashing it's determined by what stock is running what train, whether said train is on time and whether it's actually running (0850 HFD - BIR is a good example...)!

 

[Ascot]

USERNAME

from WSX to GNER to WSX to VXC, whatever next?

 

[Techniquest]

GNER wasn't my choice *Points blame at Liam*

I've got a thing about Virgin lately, best TOC I've had the pleasure of riding with!

 

[devon_metro]

GNER wasn't my choice *Points blame at Liam*

I've got a thing about Virgin lately, best TOC I've had the pleasure of riding with!

Explain

What part do I play in this conundrum?

 

[Daniel]

Well, for a start you know the word conundrum. You must me Tom Cairns in disguise.

 

[73109]

Best thing you can do on a SWT 450 is sit in first class and argue that its second class, I buy second class tickets usually on that bit of the line whereas the standard class in a 450 is 3rd class to me. So far i have won the argements with the guards it dont help me knowing them

 

[Techniquest]

Explain

What part do I play in this conundrum?

I was told you were the one responsible for the GNERfan thing. Unless that's just Tom being Tom...

 

[Tom]

Nope...it was Liam.

 

[Daniel]

Definatley Liam.

 

[devon_metro]

I still don't have a clue what you are on about?

 

[yorkie]

Best leave it off the forum.

Have the convo on MSN if you like, but live and let live I say

 

[Broken Viking]

Hail All!
I'd support the option of FC tickets with a YP discount on them as well, although I have to add that I myself probabally wouldn't use them much if at all...As Coxster said though, it would be nice to have the option available!

Indeed...A discount on FC tickets would be very useful for potentially crowded services - Especially on longer journeys! I know a bit about the W/E 1st upgrade, but that doesn't help me on a long weekend when I travel up on Friday and come back Monday!

Admittedly, I've only travelled in FC once in the last few years, and that was on a Pendolino from Brum NS to Euston. However, this was because standard class (I had a Std Y-P SVR) was more packed than a tin of sardines at the time and I had an injured leg which would have made standing for the two-hour journey pure agony, so the guard very kindly allowed me to take a seat in first. 8)
(In any case, the train got so stuffed that FC was declassified when the train arrived at Coventry...And I can say that a lot of first and W/E first customers wern't pleased at that one in the slightest! :eek

Staying on that subject for the minute though: I was wearing a Bal-Sagoth band shirt, black jeans, army boots and spiked bracers (See my avatar!) at the time, and I could hear other passengers chatting about me to the guard whenever he passed through...Yet all I did throughout the journey was remain seated and have a quiet and pleasant conversation with the passenger sitting opposite me - Just because I'm a Metalhead and dress as such, doesn't mean to say that I'm going to turn first class into third!

Whilst I'm here, I'll throw a few extra questions into the mix:

1. I make a journey from Glasgow Central to Southampton Central and change trains in Manchester and London. If I buy a W/E First upgrade for my YP ticket on the first train, will it be valid on the other two NR trains I'll use in that day or just the train upon which it was issued?
2. I seem to recall that W/E First upgrades are available on any train with FC compartment(s) for a flat fee of £5,-. Is this correct, or does cost and availability vary depending on the service in question?
3. Aside from more space, a more comfortable seat and perhaps "complimentary" drinks and snacks, what other benefits does First Class generally offer for longer distance routes like VT?
4. Do the door vestibule areas in first class carriages themselves classify as a First class area, or can I stand in those areas with a standard class ticket?
5. Does anyone think that the reintroduction of Third Class - Perhaps using standing room only compartments - Would be a good idea?
   (I think that such a thing wouldn't only prove to be a fare-saver, but might also help the overcrowding problem on suburban commuter routes! )

Anyhow, I've rambled on enough for one post I think!...
>> Death <<

 

[Techniquest]

I make a journey from Glasgow Central to Southampton Central and change trains in Manchester and London. If I buy a W/E First upgrade for my YP ticket on the first train, will it be valid on the other two NR trains I'll use in that day or just the train upon which it was issued?

The Weekend First upgrade would only be valid on the train you buy the upgrade on I'm afraid.

I seem to recall that W/E First upgrades are available on any train with FC compartment(s) for a flat fee of £5,-. Is this correct, or does cost and availability vary depending on the service in question?

SWT charge £5 for WEF, FGW £10 on all IC services. FGW Local services are £5 except between Worcester and Oxford. Virgin charge between £10 for the shorter journeys to £20 for the longer ones (£20 upgrade on the Penzance - Dundee would be a good deal)

Aside from more space, a more comfortable seat and perhaps "complimentary" drinks and snacks, what other benefits does First Class generally offer for longer distance routes like VT?

I think you've summed up the benefits of First Class there altogether. No other benefits come to mind.

Do the door vestibule areas in first class carriages themselves classify as a First class area, or can I stand in those areas with a standard class ticket?

Officially, yes the First Class vestibules are First Class too. Although I got a packed Voyager off Birmingham International once (slept past New Street, woke up just in time at International!) and stood in the First Class vestibule by the disabled toilet. Too packed to do a check anyway!

Does anyone think that the reintroduction of Third Class - Perhaps using standing room only compartments - Would be a good idea?
(I think that such a thing wouldn't only prove to be a fare-saver, but might also help the overcrowding problem on suburban commuter routes! )
Anyhow, I've rambled on enough for one post I think!...
>> Death <<

Re-introducing Third Class would mean more carriages, and that on our current network wouldn't happen!

 

[Broken Viking]

Hail VXCFan!
Cheers for all of the quick info mate! I was thinking that one W/E 1st upgrade would cover me from Aberdeen to Plymouth, but I guess that it won't unless I can find a direct train somehow!

Officially, yes the First Class vestibules are First Class too. Although I got a packed Voyager off Birmingham International once (slept past New Street, woke up just in time at International!) and stood in the First Class vestibule by the disabled toilet. Too packed to do a check anyway!

Hmmm...I suppose that on a heavily crowded train I could always chance it, but I suppose that I'd be looking at a penalty fare if I was caught - Even if I was standing all the way! :eek:
(After all: When was the last time you saw a First Class passenger have to stand on an inter-city service? )

At times I do wonder why on Earth Virgin didn't buy 6-car long Voyagers and 12-car long Pendo's...And talking of (Super) Voyagers, when are they going to get the tilt systems on those working to the full 9°?

Re-introducing Third Class would mean more carriages, and that on our current network wouldn't happen!

Hmmm...My idea was based more along the lines of removing about half a carriage to a carriage of seating and other obstructions (Glass screens by doors, dustbins etc.) from one of the end cars of a 450 Desiro unit and installing an appropriate number of grab bars for passengers to steady themselves with whilst the train is in motion.

Obviously it wouldn't be a viable option for longer journeys, but for a lot of SWTs 450/455 operated routes where a percentage of passengers only travel one or two stations, it could prove to be a handy way to ease overcrowding without having to ransack the country for any spare units that may be around...The obvious question here though would be: "Is it safe to have a carriage full of standees going along at 60mph?" 8)

Farewell...
>> Death <<

 

[Tom]

Hail VXCFan!
Cheers for all of the quick info mate! I was thinking that one W/E 1st upgrade would cover me from Aberdeen to Plymouth, but I guess that it won't unless I can find a direct train somehow!

You can get trains with 1 change if that suits you?

Hmmm...I suppose that on a heavily crowded train I could always chance it, but I suppose that I'd be looking at a penalty fare if I was caught - Even if I was standing all the way! :eek:

I'd expect that on SWT you'd be given a PF with the way they are going... if I was the RPI I wouldn't bother though.... :roll:

(After all: When was the last time you saw a First Class passenger have to stand on an inter-city service? )

When I came back from Fort William.

At times I do wonder why on Earth Virgin didn't buy 6-car long Voyagers and 12-car long Pendo's...And talking of (Super) Voyagers, when are they going to get the tilt systems on those working to the full 9°?

Because the SRA said no, basically. We're getting 10/11 car Pendos now thanks to passenger growth. And for the tilt on Super Voyagers - you won't. I believe it's mechanical tilt on the Voyagers as opposed to electronic tilt on Pendos so they can "push" the boundaries further. There is a post on here by Peter B about it I think.

Hmmm...My idea was based more along the lines of removing about half a carriage to a carriage of seating and other obstructions (Glass screens by doors, dustbins etc.) from one of the end cars of a 450 Desiro unit and installing an appropriate number of grab bars for passengers to steady themselves with whilst the train is in motion.

Class 450 "standard" class is already third class IMHO, although I don't mind 450s at all. I'd prefer a 450 to a 444. What you're proposing is fourth class. . I think a batch of 450s would do well if they had longdidtudal seating installed, then grab bars installed and put on some inner suburban work like the Hounslow loop.

Obviously it wouldn't be a viable option for longer journeys, but for a lot of SWTs 450/455 operated routes where a percentage of passengers only travel one or two stations, it could prove to be a handy way to ease overcrowding without having to ransack the country for any spare units that may be around...The obvious question here though would be: "Is it safe to have a carriage full of standees going along at 60mph?" 8)

Is it safe? Yep. The Tube does it every day on the Metropolitan Line.

Farewell...
>> Death <<

Farewell to you too.

 

[Techniquest]

Well, you can get a direct Voyager from Aberdeen to Penzance via Carlisle now...0820 ABD - PNZ, arriving 13h24m later!

 

[voyagerdude220]

Well, you can get a direct Voyager from Aberdeen to Penzance via Carlisle now...0820 ABD - PNZ, arriving 13h24m later!

But that direct Voyager only runs on Saturdays from September 15th.

Weekend First upgrade for Aberdeen to Penzance is £20.

 

[ChrisCooper]

Regarding changing trains, I don't know official policy on it, but I've changed at Leicester a few times on MML and just shown the guard the upgrade along with my normal ticket and they have been fine. I wouldn't be suprised if a weekend first ticket is valid on more than one train as long as it's the same TOC and you stay within the price zone where appropriate (GNER at least have different price zones for WE1, so the upgrade is different depending on the journey).
One thing with WE1 is that it's a TOC thing, so prices, validity and benefits vary from TOC to TOC. GNER gives the full at seat service with complementary tea, coffee and cakes or biscuits, MML and 'one' give nothing (MML you get free tea and coffee but that's available to standard aswell). Never upgraded on other TOCs so can't comment (I did quite a bit of Virgin West Coast travel at weekends when they were still loco hauled, but much prefered being in coach A behind the loco, and unlike MML I found trains were generally quite quiet, infact I remember a few trips where I had the coach to myself).

 

[voyagerdude220]

infact I remember a few trips where I had the coach to myself).

Well on yesterday's 15:14 Glasgow to Birmingham International, There I was one of three passengers spread out amongst four FC carriages- 2 in G, 1 in H, 0 in J, 0 in K.

 

[ChrisCooper]

The most ironic first class trip I've had is when me and my parents went down to London for the weekend a few years ago for my 18th birthday. We'd paid quite a bit for first class returns, due to going down on the friday night, yet I think other than us 3 there were 5 others in first class. We had a very good service though, with complementary wine aswell as biscuits and cakes, and of cource tea and coffee. On the Sunday though my parents booked to come back on an earlier train around the middle of the day, and I think the one half an hour ahead had been cancelled so it was packed solid, with people standing even in first, and they had to remove some people from their seats. I'm glad I didn't go with the or else I would have had to stand since I'd not reserved on the way back. They were not at all pleased to pay a fair amount for first class to have to travel in those conditions, especially since the train was so busy the guard wasn't charging upgrades. IIRC they wrote to MML and they refunded the first class part of the return journey. I came back later that evening and had a much better journey, although I was still disapointed at the lack of service.