Is First Class declassified on London Northwestern Railway services between Euston and Crewe / Birmingham?

[miklcct]

I have read that, from May this year, London Northwestern Railway has removed the First Class from all its services. The timetable data confirms this, and the website says that the First Class signage will be removed inside and outside the fleet.

However, over my last few journeys, all the trains I have used still have First Class signage clearly visible on both inside and outside the train, and there is no announcement either on the platform or on the train saying that the First Class is declassified.

In this case, can I use First Class on the London Northwestern Railway trains with only a Standard Class ticket?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Yes, correct. It's a bit poor they're taking so long to change the markings, but there is no First Class on any LNR or WMR service now and any part of the train can be used by Standard passengers.

 

[gordonthemoron]

Last Monday we were told by the guard over the tannoy on an LNW train from Euston to Northampton that first class no longer existed and anyone could sit it the space designated first class

 

[kacper]

inside

isn’t the “first class” writing on the refurbished ones sewn into the seats? on the unrefurbished ones it was just a banner on the seats that could easily be removed

 

[Puffing Devil]

Yes, correct. It's a bit poor they're taking so long to change the markings, but there is no First Class on any LNR or WMR service now and any part of the train can be used by Standard passengers.

I'm more than happy that they're taking their time

 

[Bletchleyite]

I'm more than happy that they're taking their time

The seats are terrible, you're welcome to it! Even prefer Standard in a /2.

(Except 319s where it's mine)

 

[Puffing Devil]

The seats are terrible, you're welcome to it! Even prefer Standard in a /2.

(Except 319s where it's mine)

No worse than the others, better than a 3+2 layout and people seem reluctant still to come in to the compartment, which can secure a seat if you're late to the party at Euston.

 

[Bletchleyite]

No worse than the others, better than a 3+2 layout and people seem reluctant still to come in to the compartment, which can secure a seat if you're late to the party at Euston.

They definitely are. I had back pain after Tring or thereabouts when I tried, the cushion is a very odd shape with the lumbar support in totally the wrong place for me. The legroom is also poor. Standard for me even in a /2!

Best way to get a seat from Euston if showing up late for me (other than the short platforms) is down and back on yourself, usually quieter than the front coach.

 

[Snow1964]

In this case, can I use First Class on the London Northwestern Railway trains with only a Standard Class ticket?

Yes with LNW

But it's a very bad precedent to say it can be done with impunity, where First Class is marked, and there are no announcements or notices of downgrade.

Someone might then travel by another operator and assume same rules apply, so shouldn't really allow it when not announced as that undermines NRCOT 15.1 which says no unless specifically indicated or permitted by authorised rail staff

 

[trainophile]

I agree with Bletchleyite, I sat in a 1st Class seat a couple of weeks ago, and quickly moved back into Standard, the seats in what was 1st are diabolical. The only advantage was the power sockets, but they seem to be more prevalent throughout most of those trains now, even the 'green seat' areas had them the other day.

 

[Hadders]

Based on my LNR journeys since May it seems as though the First Class compartments have become Chav Clas.

I'd avoid declassified 1st and sit somewhere more civilized.

 

[Merseysider]

Ah, yes. LNR first class is declassified. It's fantastic really, you can recline your seat by reaching into the chewing gum below, and pulling up on the bar, which crashes your knees into the seat in front. There are even empty cans of Carling available for free if you're lucky.

 

[Puffing Devil]

Perhaps we have a better class of traveller Crewe-Euston? I've no encountered no issues on this route and find the table seat perfect for working away on my laptop for the entire trip.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Perhaps we have a better class of traveller Crewe-Euston? I've no encountered no issues on this route and find the table seat perfect for working away on my laptop for the entire trip.

The double legroom table at the cab end (except /2) is far better! The legroom is so good here (also in the airline seats opposite) as in the 360s this area was 1st so the spacing is for that.

As for antisocial behaviour, I think this is mostly on the Liverpool-Birmingham route (though surely they'd be scallies, not chavs? ). The south WCML is generally quite civilised and well behaved, including the Crewes.