The class 158/159's on that route arguably have the best first class out of all SWT rolling stock, you get a very spacious seat, there are also single seats or two seaters depending on what you prefer. Greenback is right that there's no freebies in terms of refreshments, as those are done by RailGourmet.
I'm not sure what type of ticket you have, but some Advance fares in 1st Class on that route are very reasonable indeed!
Thanks molesey boy, I have an Advance 1st Single Ticket with 16-25 Railcard with the route being AP SWT Only for £11.90, it is very reasonable
Most trains west of Salisbury are 3-car. If you're travelling to London you tend to find that the three cars from Exeter get quite busy as they approach Salisbury, but tend to be emptier after.
I believe the set of doors immediately behind the leading cab on South West Trains 159s are for use by crew only.I've never seen people use the doors at that end of the coach
I believe the set of doors immediately behind the leading cab on South West Trains 159s are for use by crew only.
I believe the set of doors immediately behind the leading cab on South West Trains 159s are for use by crew only.
Yes I have heard this as well, I have heard that it is for security and to enable the driver to do thier job as they won't have passengers hanging around the area. Don't know why this is only an issue in the SouthWest however.
The 442s also had the same feature when in use with SWT, not sure if they still do? Apparently the original rationale was that because there was no separate driver's door, it was considered particularly awkward for passengers to be present in the lobby - especially on the four track sections, and with the third rail, if the driver had to get out the train to go to a signal telephone.
Some think it was insisted on by ASLEF when the trains were new, but if that was the case, surely they'd have made the same claim everywhere else?
What is a bit of an own goal is displaying 'out of order' externally, using the normal illuminated indication. This probably makes people on the platform think all the trains have defects...
It was Network South East who wanted the leading doors locked out, they've had it since new as have the 442s... All other NSE stock had a separate driver's door
Is the internal door to the leading vestibule locked on the 159s?
Note that this doesn't apply to Advance tickets, only on standard walk-up tickets.
I believe you can upgrade with an advance ticket, its megatrain that is the no no.
SWT website said:Upgrade from Standard to First Class at weekends and public holidays, for just £5.00 per person. Just take a seat in First Class and buy your upgrade from the Guard. Upgrades are available for holders of all Standard Class tickets (except megatrain) and subject to available space.
Correct.
I had the unfortunate ride on a 159 from Waterloo to Trowbridge in FC, thinking it would be great.
Well, considering I was on it from the start, the tables were a mess with crisp bits scattered across the table (I guess the contract cleaners were elsewhere) and throughout the journey I found the seats weren't that well padded, compared to the cushion seats in Standard class.
Now, I prefer to travel in Standard class as they are my favourite seats!
Just my opinion though, others will prefer the FC seating of course, but for me? no taa!