George Osborne in first class with standard ticket?

[Buttsy]

Well you should be at the platform in plenty of time...

I'm normally in very good time I can catch the one before...

 

[krisk]

I know the exact facts of this story as I was on this train but I will not be discussing any details.

 

[musicman]

No comments here can erase my amusement - I know that if the aide had purchased standard class she was wrong to do so and if it was George who just assumed that he was travelling first and just sat down, the aide was wrong. So it seems the aide got it wrong whatever - it wasn't anything to do with George. He just did what he does best.

 

[tsr]

Well you should be at the platform in plenty of time...

I appreciate that you probably meant that in jest, but I catch dozens of trains a week, and I can only think of one single scenario within the past week where I have been at the station at the beginning of my journey and have been within the minimum connection time for catching the train I required - and, moreover, I have not missed a train since early July (and that wasn't even my fault). But that is entirely off-topic...

This walking-through-first issue came up yesterday, in an unrelated thread! The recurring examples were the LM trains and the 185s - facilities accessible to standard class passengers are located either side of the first class sections. Ergo, it MUST be acceptable to walk through these portions of the carriage, even if you only hold a standard class ticket.

Clearly, the NRCoCs are covering all bases by saying otherwise, but this does nothing but create inconsistency and disparities between operators, confusing passengers further (especially if FGW are actually telling people off for it while TPE are advising people that its acceptable!).

As with so many other things about rail in the UK - utterly ridiculous.

I've never heard of a guard or RPI telling someone off for walking through First Class to get to another unit of a Class 377 formation, and I would be extremely surprised if they did. The only time you would be likely to get a PF or get reported is if you stood there for a long time or took a seat. Mind you, Southern and FCC clearly do not give much thought to the comfort of those in First Class.

 

[jon0844]

I know the exact facts of this story as I was on this train but I will not be discussing any details. Suffice to say the story holds truth but has seen various twists to the actual events. Be careful what you read and believe.

Nobody would have to be so careful if you filled in the blanks, or are you seeking the highest bidder from the papers?

 

[tsr]

I know the exact facts of this story as I was on this train but I will not be discussing any details. Suffice to say the story holds truth but has seen various twists to the actual events. Be careful what you read and believe.

Do you mean the story originally related by the reporter on the train via Twitter?

 

[SS4]

Seems that people are instantly believing the other side of the story now. The one that the Treasury (who have an interest in portraying themselves as fair and subject to the rules) and Virgin (who have an interest in keeping the government sweet over the WCML)
That's not to say they're wrong of course and, in all honesty, it probably did happen that way but a lot of you seem to think official sources are incapable of lies - remember the only accurate news is obtained via one's five senses.


To be honest a smear story hounding him out of office might convince the powers that be to rein in the press and prevent them ruining lives based on rumour.

edit: and the most important question hasn't been answered yet - was he travelling on expenses or out of his own pocket?

 

[jon0844]

If someone knows the truth, what reason would there be to withhold it? Just give the full facts and then it doesn't matter what anyone else said.

 

[bengolding]

Well, I was on the train in question, the 14:55 Mancester to Euston via Crewe. I was sat in coach K in First and the first I heard was on arrival 10 mins late (told due to following late-running services from Birmingham from Watford Junction) to be met by a barrage of photographers and flashes on the platform. One asked me if I had been in First Class and if I had seen the incident involving GO.

I won't name names but the Liverpool-based TM was particularly cheerful and friendly as they checked tickets coming from coach J, with no obvious concerns. Neither did the friendly First Class hosts mention the incident either.

 

[Trainfan344]

No comments here can erase my amusement - I know that if the aide had purchased standard class she was wrong to do so and if it was George who just assumed that he was travelling first and just sat down, the aide was wrong. So it seems the aide got it wrong whatever - it wasn't anything to do with George. He just did what he does best.

Well someone won't have a job in the morning.

 

[sheff1]

I know the exact facts of this story as I was on this train but I will not be discussing any details. Suffice to say the story holds truth but has seen various twists to the actual events. Be careful what you read and believe.

We can only read what is available to read. Claiming to know the exact facts but then refusing to disclose them provides nothing useful for us to read.

 

[richardderby]

front page of the morning sun.... Osbournes a First class plonker...
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepag...its-in-First-Class-with-Standard-tickets.html

 

[wintonian]

front page of the morning sun.... Osbournes a First class plonker...
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepag...its-in-First-Class-with-Standard-tickets.html

I see as usual the facts get blurred.

 

[Oswyntail]

... and the most important question hasn't been answered yet - was he travelling on expenses or out of his own pocket?

Is that remotely relevant to anything?

 

[Skimble19]

Will be interesting to see Labour spin this one.. Wonder if they'll have the same success they did with AM..?

We can only read what is available to read. Claiming to know the exact facts but then refusing to disclose them provides nothing useful for us to read.

The very same user did exactly the same thing on the first West Coast thread, regarding the winners.. You get used to it

 

[AndrewP]

This is so trivial its irrelevant - if someone buys or upgrades to first and sits there fine.

To be honest it makes sense for senior politicians (i.e. cabinet and shadow cabinet) to travel first anyway so they can work or spread papers about as necessary. Its one of the main reasons I perfer first (that and its easier to get a good sleep!).

It seems like a very efficient train manager acting sensibly and would he have even recognised George Osborne? He's not especially distinctive looking.

Anyway its a good job it wasn't Ed Balls - he'd have wanted to borrow the money for the ticket and then spent it on something that was of no value to anyone then blamed someone else for his own mistake!

 

[Deerfold]

Yes it is normally acceptable to walk through in such circumstances, the NCoC don't have to be enforced where they are restrictive to the passenger.

I've been on EC before now when they've made an announcement just before we arrive in London telling Standard Class passengers not to walk through First before leaving the train.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

This is so trivial its irrelevant - if someone buys or upgrades to first and sits there fine.

To be honest it makes sense for senior politicians (i.e. cabinet and shadow cabinet) to travel first anyway so they can work or spread papers about as necessary. Its one of the main reasons I perfer first (that and its easier to get a good sleep!).

Perhaps -though a close relative was a civil servant - their travel policy didn't allow them to travel 1st class *even if it was cheaper*. They bought advances whenever it was reasonable but colleagues who always bought an anytime return for a couple of hundred quid never had any adverse comments.

 

[Stats]

when Ramesh Chhabra approached the ticket inspector pleading to let him let George stay in first class as she purchased the wrong ticket for him. The ticket inspector asked for around £190 (obviously she mistyped on her Twitter account) which she reluctantly paid.

Errrr.... Ramesh Chhabra is a man.

 

[jon0844]

Now it seems Andrew Mitchell never did say 'pleb' or 'moron' but had sworn (as I'm sure many people have done in a moment of anger and then apologised after - in this case with the apology being accepted) but that doesn't matter.. as everyone has now taken the word 'pleb' and is using it to attack anyone deemed as upper class, with money, a Tory or went to private school - by suggesting that they all use a word I've barely heard in twenty years!

 

[wintonian]

I've been on EC before now when they've made an announcement just before we arrive in London telling Standard Class passengers not to walk through First before leaving the train.

I didn't mean walking through so steerage can alight or join the service, I meant things like 350's, 450's and joined up 444's 442's ect.

 

[jon0844]

I regularly walk through what is called first class on a 317/1 - in the middle of the train. I've also walked through part of a Class 321 FC compartment to get to the vestibule (which isn't first class and separated by sliding doors for each FC bit).

I've walked through when RPIs have been dealing with people in FC without FC tickets and never been hassled. Now if I stopped and stood there, or sat down, I'd expect some bother.

 

[yorkie]

If he had an advance for an earlier train wasn't he committing an offence getting the next one without getting another ticket first?

Virgin sell a full fare ticket on board to passengers requiring a new ticket, and the cheapest ticket on board to passengers travelling on the wrong train on an Advance ticket (it has been reported that other TOCs will also do this).

Well, I was on the train in question, the 14:55 Mancester to Euston via Crewe. I was sat in coach K in First and the first I heard was on arrival 10 mins late (told due to following late-running services from Birmingham from Watford Junction) to be met by a barrage of photographers and flashes on the platform. One asked me if I had been in First Class and if I had seen the incident involving GO.

I won't name names but the Liverpool-based TM was particularly cheerful and friendly as they checked tickets coming from coach J, with no obvious concerns. Neither did the friendly First Class hosts mention the incident either.

So a non-incident then.

 

[yorksrob]

I am absolutely shocked by this scenario.

What on earth is this country coming to when the Chancellor of the Exchequer is forced for coinage ?

This isn't a bash against the railway staff. I would expect the travel arrangements of a minister or secretary of state to be properly organised, or at least provided with a ticket appropriate for a minister or a secretary of state of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 

[jon0844]

So a non-incident then.

But he's a Tory and people don't like him!

Before I go to bed, I see people now questioning whether he's going to claim the tickets on expenses. I'm not exactly sure what to think. If he was someone working for a normal company, I'd expect them to be able to claim - so is it any different when its the taxpayer? I mean, would I be expected to pay out of my own pocket to travel for work (as against to or from work)?

And for someone in his position who might have had to get back for an urgent meeting, would it have been better to have them sit in a Starbucks (okay, perhaps NOT a Starbucks!) until they could get their booked train - assuming they hadn't missed it?

As said above, I guess the answer to that won't be based on common sense but whether you're red or blue! However, in light of the publicity, I expect he won't put in a claim (straight away!).

 

[SS4]

Is that remotely relevant to anything?

Yep, we have a right to know if we've directly paid for it.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

But he's a Tory and people don't like him!

Before I go to bed, I see people now questioning whether he's going to claim the tickets on expenses. I'm not exactly sure what to think. If he was someone working for a normal company, I'd expect them to be able to claim - so is it any different when its the taxpayer? I mean, would I be expected to pay out of my own pocket to travel for work (as against to or from work)?

And for someone in his position who might have had to get back for an urgent meeting, would it have been better to have them sit in a Starbucks (okay, perhaps NOT a Starbucks!) until they could get their booked train - assuming they hadn't missed it?

As said above, I guess the answer to that won't be based on common sense but whether you're red or blue! However, in light of the publicity, I expect he won't put in a claim (straight away!).

Is there any proof he was working?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Well someone won't have a job in the morning.

That would be Mitchell after an impeccably timed resignation (that the BBC swallowed - those accusing it of left wing bias take note)

 

[phil8715]

I tweeted Call me Dave to grass him up! Looks like Call me Dave is not having a good week with the energy story, Osbourne trying to eff it in 1st class on a standard class ticket and Mitchell resigning after a month of Plebgate!

Well done Cameron you're doing your best not to get elected in the next general election.




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Jonny]

Well, if he's paid up on request (or someone else has on his behalf) then it's the end of the matter, isn't it?

OTOH if anyone really wants to argue, his constituency (Tatton) is formerly that of a certain Neil Hamilton.

 

[duncanp]

I had to laugh when Bob Crow waded in and said "....this shows how out of touch this ConDem government are..."

Ah yes, is this the same Bob Crow who is paid approx. £150,000 per year (a salary that most of us can only dream of) and yet lives in a Housing Association property where the rent is subsidised by the taxpayer?

As George Orwell said, "All men are equal, but some are more equal than others"

 

[merlodlliw]

VT have put out an announcement, after speaking to staff, the entire episode was misrepresented,all fares have been complied with.
No doubt a few from the left will be buying the Daily Mail today
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I had to laugh when Bob Crow waded in and said "....this shows how out of touch this ConDem government are..."

Ah yes, is this the same Bob Crow who is paid approx. £150,000 per year (a salary that most of us can only dream of) and yet lives in a Housing Association property where the rent is subsidised by the taxpayer?

As George Orwell said, "All men are equal, but some are more equal than others"

re minds me of the Kremlin a few years ago don't do as I do etc

 

[table38]

That would be Mitchell after an impeccably timed resignation (that the BBC swallowed - those accusing it of left wing bias take note)

That'll be the BBC that has been keeping this story alive for the last four weeks then