(Retired safeguarded) Staff travel restrictions

[AndrewE]

Standard Premium is not "proper first class". That's why it's called Standard Premium.

I know it's not. Did you read post 18? I have said several times that I have 1st class travel, and that I was reserved in a proper 1st class coach. Perhaps you didn't read my quote from the rules either:

Standard Premium accommodation is ...not available to holders of any Staff Travel Facilities

What is your point?

 

[Western Gaffer]

After a dispute with a member of on-train staff I cross-checked the restrictions (link half-way down here: https://www.raildeliverygroup.com/rst/where-can-i-go.html#WhereCanIGoSG) and found that they had sneaked out a version 2 of the Winter restrictions, although strangely it is dated before its actual commencement.

Has anyone got version 1 saved, or alternateively a copy of the summer 2021 please?
Thanks
A

Is this what you're looking for?

Archived version of https://www.raildeliverygroup.com/files/Publications/services/rst/RST_Restrictions_2021_Summer_v7.pdf

 

[AndrewE]

That's great, thanks. No mention of staff not being allowed to use "proper" first back then, but it does include the restriction that I remember:

Standard Premium... is not available to holders of any Staff Travel Facilities.

and (Falcon 1200 pleas note)

Capacity onboard is significantly reduced as Avanti West Coast enforce social distancing of 2 metres between passengers.
You must wear a face covering when travelling (exclusions apply).
Plan your journey and please choose to travel during quieter periods.
The full detail can be found on this page: www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/help-and-support/coronavirus-travel-information
All customers, including those using rail staff travel facilities, are strongly advised to obtain a reservation for their chosen service prior to travel.
If you do not make a reservation and your intended service is already at capacity, you will be unable to board.

Thanks again.
(I have used Avanti's Anglo-Scottish trains 6 times since September, it has been a pleasure every time and nothing whatsoever has been said until this last trip!)
I wonder what will happen nextt ime I try to reserve a seat?

 

[Haywain]

No mention of staff not being allowed to use "proper" first back then, but it does include the restriction that I remember:

But from what you have told us you had a reservation in Standard Premium, not in First Class.

 

[AndrewE]

But from what you have told us you had a reservation in Standard Premium, not in First Class.

I don't think so. Did you read

So I refused to be publicly thrown out of the first class coach, and the stewardess couldn't justify why I now wasn't allowed to be there!

I have also said I was reserved into it by an Avanti Travel centre. I have also said (several times) that the restrictions used to say (and still do)

Standard Premium... is not available to holders of any Staff Travel Facilities.

 

[Mag_seven]

I think this statement on page 7 of the restrictions document is relevant here:

Retired Staff and dependants may be asked to vacate their seat in First Class accommodation but they do not have to.

https://www.raildeliverygroup.com/files/Publications/services/rst/RST_Restrictions_202122_Winter_v2.pdf

 

[AndrewE]

I think this statement on page 7 of the restrictions document is relevant here:
Retired Staff and dependants may be asked to vacate their seat in First Class accommodation but they do not have to.

https://www.raildeliverygroup.com/files/Publications/services/rst/RST_Restrictions_202122_Winter_v2.pdf

I am very much afraid that is trumped by

Due to capacity constraints / social distancing, the onboard capacity for an Avanti First Class experience will be limited, whilst fare paying customers will be given priority. If asked to sit in Standard Premium, then tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available via the onboard shop at a discounted price.

which is garbled English into the bargain. I think they mean "onboard capacity for an Avanti First Class experience will be limited, so (or therefore) fare paying customers will be given priority."
No mention of any differences between serving or retired staff either, I am sorry to say.
What is really disgusting is that the Standard Premium section starts by saying

Standard Premium accommodation
Standard Premium accommodation is currently only available as an advance purchase ticket or as an on-board upgrade for members of the public and at the moment is not available to holders of any Staff Travel Facilities.

which is why I probably hadn't bothered reading any further. Why isn't the middle quote above ("Due to capacity constraints...") put in at the beginning of their restrictions?

The new rule is also the diametrical opposite of the previous one:

All customers, including those using rail staff travel facilities, are strongly advised to obtain a reservation for their chosen service prior to travel.
If you do not make a reservation and your intended service is already at capacity, you will be unable to board

The fact remains that we were booked into that coach by an Avanti travel centre, the restrictions say we are not allowed in Standard Premium, and that the Steward abruptly and publicly tried to throw us out of first with no explanation or courtesy.

 

[Falcon1200]

and (Falcon 1200 pleas note)

@AndrewE please note, the last time I travelled First Class on Avanti WC, in December, in the four seats around a table across the aisle from me, one person and a completely separate couple had seat reservations, so the 2m social distancing rule you quoted appears to have been abandoned ! As I said earlier, I do not reserve seats unless it is mandatory, because I prefer the flexibility of when I travel, where I sit, and fare-paying passengers should have first choice. I accept therefore that I may be disadvantaged on the day, but I have never been unable to board my chosen train.