2% is probably underestimating things a bit. I have been on plenty of services where First is busier than Standard. This morning's ex-Glasgow Central East Coast service is one example.
Indeed.
In fact, I don't see why you should be so hesitant in asserting that figure!
In my own, regular, experience on East Coast, and from discussion with EC staff who have repeatedly been conducting regular headcounts on departure from London, Newcastle and Edinburgh, figures of 50 to 90 in First Class are very common, and on many of the Anglo-Scottish services, they've increased those figures to between 60 to 120.
I posted in June about an EC service leaving Inverness with more passengers in First than in Standard, and in response to a question last month, about the Flying Scotsman leaving Newcastle with 100 in First.
orpine said:
So I was close; about 3%.
Not close to the evidence I have. Admittedly, you are looking at XC and I am looking at EC, but as some, if not most, of the points you are making are of a wider, national, structural issue, then I'd be pleased if you'd put them in a better informed perspective please. That way, your opinions can be evidenced by facts, which always helps an argument!
. . . . the single limiting factor to accessing first class is money and not everyone has that. People on benefits sure can't afford it, folks on minimum wage would struggle to except as a treat (and then they'd have to prioritise it over other treats).
Yes. I fully agree that money (and the lack of it) is a significant factor in our spending choices, and, consequently, in our opportunities and life experiences, and where we have dependents, in their choices, opportunities and experiences.
I can't agree with the 'struggle' argument, though ; what 'struggle' is there in obtaining first class accomodation on a rail journey?
I would expect that any one 'struggling' will have an acute sense of their spending priorities, perhaps a sense which has been fine-tuned over a period of difficulties in fulfilling important needs or aspirations. I'd like to understand better how such a person 'struggling' ("folks on minimum wage", etc) would be prioritising the relatively superficial benefits of the facilities of First Class rail travel over their other needs, interests, aspirations and demands (and those of any dependents). Can you help me to appreciate this aspect of an otherwise well-understood struggle, please?
If you need to work on your way to work you are either crap at your job or your employer isn't paying you enough.
I'm self-employed, so that only leaves one other option to describe me. Could I ask you to do me a favour, please? Could you not tell my clients that I'm 'crap at my job'? It might have an unwanted consequence for me when your well researched analysis gets out!
When that happens, then I'll quickly become both "crap at my job"
and "not paying enough".