But they aren't, there are no plans for them to be introduced and do the paths even exist to add those local services?They shouldn’t be on Intercity, which is meant for long distance travellers. Local services should be provided (and CR would make that more viable)
"Flexed" meaning ignored where real life is too awkward to allow for the wonderful CR world you wish we were in? The whole principle only works if the network is designed for it - ours isn't - so the whole principle is flawed.However it is unavoidable in some circumstances and the system can be flexed for those. Shouldn‘t be using fringe cases to avoid the whole principle.
I've said on other threads, I've got no problem with CR for first class, or Avanti's new premium class - it could be actually a worthwhile benefit, and something that maybe should be rolled out to the other intercity operators. I also expect CR to be a thing on HS2, but those are new long-distance only services that people will be paying a premium to travel on. But it just won't work for standard class on our current network without putting a lot of passengers off travelling, or making their lives more difficult - and what for? a better "ambience" for a handful of people who hate the idea of other people being on their train?