First class upgrade on TfW loco hauled services.

[nedchester]

What is the likely charge for a 1st Class upgrade from Cardiff to Chester whilst using a Freedom of Wales Rover? There used to be a fixed fare which used to include the meal but I know that you now have to upgrade and then pay extra for the meal.

 

[Watershed]

I'd have thought you'd be charged the difference between the standard and first class single fare, i.e. £38.10 in this case. It's much worse value than when you could pay ~£25 for the Business Zone upgrade including your meal!

 

[30907]

I'd have thought you'd be charged the difference between the standard and first class single fare, i.e. £38.10 in this case. It's much worse value than when you could pay ~£25 for the Business Zone upgrade including your meal!

Said upgrade still exists at £26.50 according to BRFares. But no food!

 

[Watershed]

Said upgrade still exists at £26.50 according to BRFares. But no food!

Indeed, but not sure it would be sold, as TfW now consider it First Class!

 

[nedchester]

Indeed, but not sure it would be sold, as TfW now consider it First Class!

Seems to me that it’s not been thought through!

 

[CW2]

The ching for the meal is £17 for 2 courses or £20(?) for three. Since the dining area is also available to standard class passengers, availing yourself of one of their excellent meals might be the best way to travel. Add a glass or two of beer into the mix, and eat slowly is my advice!

 

[nedchester]

The ching for the meal is £17 for 2 courses or £20(?) for three. Since the dining area is also available to standard class passengers, availing yourself of one of their excellent meals might be the best way to travel. Add a glass or two of beer into the mix, and eat slowly is my advice!

Available to standard class ticket holders?

Did the train last night with a Freedom of Wales Rover and the guard told me he couldn't upgrade and tried to charge the full 1st Class fare which was refused (food already ordered!)

In the end he 'let us off' (which was nice although he was grumpy about it). Paid the £20 for the excellent three courses of food (served by equally excellent staff).

First time I've done the train since it's been Mk 4's and the quality hasn't dropped one bit.

 

[L401CJF]

Available to standard class ticket holders?

Did the train last night with a Freedom of Wales Rover and the guard told me he couldn't upgrade and tried to charge the full 1st Class fare which was refused (food already ordered!)

In the end he 'let us off' (which was nice although he was grumpy about it). Paid the £20 for the excellent three courses of food (served by equally excellent staff).

First time I've done the train since it's been Mk 4's and the quality hasn't dropped one bit.

The conductor should be able to issue a single fare PCU (Premier Class Upgrade) onboard for any standard class ticket holder at a cost of £26.50 for the journey you made (according to my faretable).

 

[CW2]

Available to standard class ticket holders?

Did the train last night with a Freedom of Wales Rover and the guard told me he couldn't upgrade and tried to charge the full 1st Class fare which was refused (food already ordered!)

In the end he 'let us off' (which was nice although he was grumpy about it). Paid the £20 for the excellent three courses of food (served by equally excellent staff).

First time I've done the train since it's been Mk 4's and the quality hasn't dropped one bit.

My comment was based on seeing a standard class passenger doing just what I suggested, rather than any specific knowledge of the fares system! Glad it worked OK for you - and I thoroughly endorse your comments about the quality of the food and staff.

 

[nedchester]

The conductor should be able to issue a single fare PCU (Premier Class Upgrade) onboard for any standard class ticket holder at a cost of £26.50 for the journey you made (according to my faretable).

Which is what I was expecting to pay but he didn't have a clue.

 

[asdirective]

The old business upgrades are still available to buy onboard for the time being. Meals are only served in 1st class for the time being.

So you'd pay £26.50 for the upgrade and £17/£20 for the meal.

Because of the extra services, there are now Cardiff guards working a lot of the services. They are not as knowledgeable on ticketing as the Shrewsbury/Holyhead guards who have worked the service for some time now.