I gave up on page 2 so sorry if I sound somewhat ignorant, but I feel that I would be constantly be going around a roundabout if I read on further.
Let’s clarify that the DfT ordered the trains to these standards and they are apart of the 30 year leading program. Everything has to go through the DfT - from adding the safety information inside, redoing the seat covers or adding bicycle signs to the outside of the train. Now the first obstacle will be getting through them.
Secondly, anyone with common sence over at Western House would know that fitting them to just the 9 Car 802s would be impractical and operationally difficult. The December 2019 is built to allow splitting at the applicable stations and capacity being upped during peak times with very careful diagramming. So, this would mess up the proposed 10 car formations intended to be used.
Thirdly, catering is being looked at and it can be altered without buffet. Now whether in 30 years time RMT union will be saying that no buffets effects the safety of their staff or something like that, I don’t know, but I’m certain there will be a practical solution without building a buffet. The kitchen is fully equipped however seems to at the moment only having its fridges and coffee machines being used.
What do I think would be the most practical solution?
Instead of taking more trains off to spend more money wasting the extra capacity promised I believe that the catering should be improved by more variety, more staff being used on services to make use of the kitchens
on board. No, I’m not saying the 17:30 to Taunton should be The Harvester on wheels, however you could have hot snacks like a Bacon Roll or Toasties. But, I must stress that ultimately the modern commuter wants a seat, not a 14 course meal. But, the 06:00 to Paddington is different to the Friday night 23:30..
