Virgin Platform Staff Uniforms

[strange6]

Coming home from Carlisle today, I couldn't help but notice how smart the Virgin platform staff were, especially the women in their long red coats, beige stockings and red hats Very nice indeed, especially the lovely ladies at Wigan NW. I think Richard B can be very proud of them and they certainly do brighten up your experience of Virgin rail travel. Off to Rochdale tomorrow on a Northern via Bolton

 

[WestCoast]

Yes, they do look smart, they are somewhat similar to the uniforms on Virgin Atlantic Airways (at least the female outfit is)

They do stand out, the other TOCs platform staff have fairly boring uniforms, the only exception for me is East Coast, who's platform staff with extremely smart uniforms and hats (for the gents) give of the impression of stepping back in time (in a good way)

 

[strange6]

Yes, they do look smart, they are somewhat similar to the uniforms on Virgin Atlantic Airways (at least the female outfit is)

They do stand out, the other TOCs platform staff have fairly boring uniforms, the only exception for me is East Coast, who's platform staff with extremely smart uniforms and hats (for the gents) give of the impression of stepping back in time (in a good way)

And just compare them to the Northern tat. I'm not having a go at the Northern people but some of them do look like a dogs dinner

 

[Aictos]

Grand Central employees are equally as smart as any Virgin employee, still just goes to show you get bettter results with quality uniforms!

 

[Marklund]

I am at a loss as to how staff uniforms are in any way related to Infrastructure

 

[ralphchadkirk]

And just compare them to the Northern tat. I'm not having a go at the Northern people but some of them do look like a dogs dinner

You're usually singing the praises of Northern staff!

 

[WestCoast]

I am at a loss as to how staff uniforms are in any way related to Infrastructure

I never noticed that, I suppose you could class staff as 'part of the furniture' as it were.

 

[scotsman]

I never noticed that, I suppose you could class staff as 'part of the furniture' as it were.

Certain TOCs like to think of them that way, so they can throw them out when they're finished with them!

 

[Central Trains]

Yes, they do look smart, they are somewhat similar to the uniforms on Virgin Atlantic Airways (at least the female outfit is)

They do stand out, the other TOCs platform staff have fairly boring uniforms, the only exception for me is East Coast, who's platform staff with extremely smart uniforms and hats (for the gents) give of the impression of stepping back in time (in a good way)

Isn't the East Coast uniform the National Express with a few amendments??

 

[scotsman]

Isn't the East Coast uniform the National Express with a few amendments??

Complete with ex-NX Bus Driver shirts! (the grey ones)

 

[WestCoast]

Isn't the East Coast uniform the National Express with a few amendments??

Well, what's the "station-master" type outfit with a long coat and hat? It looks pretty smart to me.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

And just compare them to the Northern tat. I'm not having a go at the Northern people but some of them do look like a dogs dinner

Virgin West Coast - 3,061 (not all in uniform);
Northern Rail - 4,800 (most in uniform).

Given the contrasting styles of service (i.e. West Coast InterCity vs. local passenger services), it's not really a comparison, especially when you would think that Virgin's budget for their uniform is probably massive compared to Northern. I think Northern's uniform suits them, you wouldn't expect them in hats and waistcoats, whereas with Virgin you would. Keyword: Image.

 

[Yew]

And just compare them to the Northern tat. I'm not having a go at the Northern people but some of them do look like a dogs dinner

Aha, But they make pacers run on time, so apperance is negligable

 

[WestCoast]

I think Northern's uniform suits them, you wouldn't expect them in hats and waistcoats, whereas with Virgin you would.

TPE have waistcoats, and there not inter-city per se.

I think Northern suits the job they are doing, which is not "glamorous" unlike Virgin and East Coast, and the other inter-city operators who wish to portray an image beyond just reliability.

Having said that, Arriva Trains Wales have such a boring and bland uniform!

 

[strange6]

TPE have waistcoats, and there not inter-city per se.

I think Northern suits the job they are doing, which is not "glamorous" unlike Virgin and East Coast, and the other inter-city operators who wish to portray an image beyond just reliability.

Having said that, Arriva Trains Wales have such a boring and bland uniform!

true! I was a bit unfair on the Northern lads and lassies. I suppose Northern are the Tesco of the rail industry whereas Virgin are the M&S.

 

[scotsman]

FSR would do waistcoats up here, except it's too cold!

 

[BestWestern]

I agree that Arriva Wales have an awful uniform, very possibly the worst on the network?! Followed closely by Southern I'd say. Also have to say I do think FGW have achieved a nice look, when it's worn smartly of course. Waistcoats are optional!

 

[O L Leigh]

I'm always amazed that Virgin were allowed to kit out their platform staff all in red.

O L Leigh

 

[The Barlow Boy]

I agree that Arriva Wales have an awful uniform, very possibly the worst on the network?! Followed closely by Southern I'd say. Also have to say I do think FGW have achieved a nice look, when it's worn smartly of course. Waistcoats are optional!

You've not seen those terrible suits that Southeastern have you? Eurostar staff used to have smart blue outfits, now they're awful grey like Southern.
The problem with staff wearing uniforms is that the only people that they look good on are uniform shaped people, ie tall and slim - which is why airlines always recruit to a height/weight ratio, the rationale being that a smartly turned out member of staff reflects on the company. Basically, dress a sack of spuds in an Armani suit and it'll look like a sack of spuds in an Armani suit The analogy being that no matter how good the uniform is, putting it on a bloke of 5' 8" who weighs 15 stone ain't gonna do him or the uniform any favours.

 

[TomJ93]

I did see a rather big member dispatch 390 001 yesterday, she didn't do the uniform any favours.

On the other hand the woman (who was on Michael Portillo's series) always looks very smart, as does the 1st class host I normally end up with on the 20:47 Wolverhampton to London Euston on a Friday.

 

[BestWestern]

You've not seen those terrible suits that Southeastern have you? Eurostar staff used to have smart blue outfits, now they're awful grey like Southern.
The problem with staff wearing uniforms is that the only people that they look good on are uniform shaped people, ie tall and slim - which is why airlines always recruit to a height/weight ratio, the rationale being that a smartly turned out member of staff reflects on the company. Basically, dress a sack of spuds in an Armani suit and it'll look like a sack of spuds in an Armani suit The analogy being that no matter how good the uniform is, putting it on a bloke of 5' 8" who weighs 15 stone ain't gonna do him or the uniform any favours.

I must admit that I've not seen Southern's get-up, although I imagine it must be better than the previous Connex 'French circus clown' look?! Not good :cry: True that some people will, sadly, always look a state regardless of their workwear. But we must at least try I suppose, rather than have everyone turn up in jeans and Hi-Viz!

 

[First class]

My Merseyrail uniform is strange!

Dark Grey suit jacket and trousers with white shirt, (faint off-white stripes), matching waistcoat and of course the yellow/black/grey striped tie. All compulsory items between April and Winter..

Although it is quite smart, the quality is somewhat to be desired. "Made in China". Designed by a company called "Satoria Corporate".

 

[scotsman]

Being a Volunteer, my uniform is a mixture of George at Asda, M&S and Tie Rack! I have to say, I'm surprised that VT staff are allowed all red as well...

 

[Mojo]

I used to love my old Wensum uniform. I think the design looks modern and smart. Really good quality, fits well and comfortable. Very long lasting as well.

 

[WestCoast]

My Merseyrail uniform is strange!

Dark Grey suit jacket and trousers with white shirt, (faint off-white stripes), matching waistcoat and of course the yellow/black/grey striped tie. All compulsory items between April and Winter..

Yes, the merseyrail outfit is a bit "different" I've noticed - completely the opposite to the "safe" outfit your sister company has.

The newish Manchester Metrolink uniform is similar, except its a bit more wacky. Drivers wear bright yellow shirts and the inspectors have an official 'police-style' uniform with a yellow and grey coat.

 

[RailChick]

TPE have waistcoats, and there not inter-city per se.

I think Northern suits the job they are doing, which is not "glamorous" unlike Virgin and East Coast, and the other inter-city operators who wish to portray an image beyond just reliability.

Having said that, Arriva Trains Wales have such a boring and bland uniform!

Our new uniforms are far from bland... Can't wait till June when they will be issuing mine ... Jackets, waistcoats, long length coats... Watch this space

 

[All Line Rover]

true! I was a bit unfair on the Northern lads and lassies. I suppose Northern are the Tesco of the rail industry whereas Virgin are the M&S.

How offensive to Tesco! (Tesco are - in my opinion - the best supermarket in the UK, especially when you know how to lawfully play the T&C's of all their "schemes"!)

I would say Northern are the ASDA of the rail industry. (Asda are - in my opinion - the worst supermarket in the UK!)

And what's so special about M&S uniforms? Maybe Virgin are the Harrod's of the rail industry? Perhaps not - that's a bit snooty and expensive. Virgin are the John Lewis of the rail industry then (great service, not always cheap, sometimes very cheap, but nice overall)!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Our new uniforms are far from bland... Can't wait till June when they will be issuing mine ... Jackets, waistcoats, long length coats... Watch this space

oooo! Sounds fancy!

 

[matt]

I am at a loss as to how staff uniforms are in any way related to Infrastructure

Topic moved to NR General discussion

 

[strange6]

Topic moved to NR General discussion

Simple. They are part of the infrastructure if you don't mind me saying so!

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Simple. They are part of the infrastructure if you don't mind me saying so!

How...?