Recent content by alistairlees

Well, the commission rate is less than half of what it was then, and you have to do a lot more!

I am sure you would want all TOCs to play by the same rules too ;) An interesting argument... Or very expensive and monopolistic. Look at TfL's revenue collection system, for example... (other examples are available) Actually, third party retailers are cheaper, more innovative, and take all...

So it was confirmed as withdrawn in October 2023 but it took the planning inspectorate until May 2024 to acknowledge and publish this?

It was introduced because there was customer expectation of this sort of thing and because a group of us wanted to meet that expectation.

Yes, I meant SWR. It doesn't really matter what the history is. As I said, SWR's 1st can be a pleasant experience - nicer seats, more tables (aligned with windows I think), fewer people etc. If you are travelling a long distance and want to relax or get some work done then it's a good idea, if...

SWT have the best 1st class south of the Thames. You should get a 450 which has a small compartment like section of 1st at each end of each unit. This can be very pleasant to travel in.

Almost none arriving, and very few departing at Falkirk Grahamston, so no call for a lounge. Dundee is very quiet in the morning (I am usually the only person in it), but I don't know about the evening. Fort William is pretty busy. Stirling closed due to low usage.

Nearly six years! See https://www.serco.com/uk/media-and-news/2018/caledonian-sleeper-opens-three-new-lounges-at-scottish-stations

An option: BKM to EUS single with your railcard KGX to YRK Advance Single (about £35) YRK To PFM Single (as this is £20.10, best splitting at Leeds! You could get a split Advance + Anytime Single for just £10.80 at the times you want) PFM to KGX Advance Single (about £45 for a train after about...

If I was facing the other direction, and looking at the other screens immediately behind those in view, I assume they would have the "1st train" screen next to the train? In any case, I also agree that these are in a confusing arrangement. Other cues could also be used - such as signage above...

According to the DfT, in 2022: - 75% of adults aged 17 or over had a driving licence - that's 34.6million people

I was a bit surprised to discover at the weekend that Haverfordwest has a cafe (though it was closed when I was there, but it did not look permanently closed). I think there was also one at Carmarthen. Delamere has an excellent cafe. I think there are also ones at Grindleford and Edale.

It worked for 20th May 1998 (but no earlier) for me on https://secure.railcard.co.uk/purchase/16-25/eligibility-select. Though I have not actually bought one.

Lots of maps apply, but not EO Gettting to Leatherhead: LONDON BC+EB+DK BC+EB+HR BC+RB+DK CH+BC+EB+DK CH+BC+EB+HR CH+BC+RB+DK EJ+DK EJ+HR RJ+DK Getting to London: BC+EB BC+GC BC+RB+RG BJ+GC CH+BC+EB CH+BC+GC CH+BC+RB+RG EJ RJ+RG

From Crewe you can go direct to London Euston, or via the Birmingham loop, or via the Northanpton loop, or both loops. Lots of other routes (e.g. via Stoke on Trent, Oxford / Reading, or Gobowen / Shrewsbury / Telford, will also be permitted.