Preston - ever get a first-class lounge?

[yorksrob]

Southeastern do not even have catering,

Indeed, and it's a crying shame.

Another difference is that TPE's trains do get a separate 1st class saloon which the South Easterns Electrostars don't.

 

[Starmill]

On routes with catering facilities available, first class passengers get a complimentary water or tea/coffee.

Really? I thought that was just Gatwick Express! I see, I have clearly missed out there then

 

[Mojo]

Chiltern don't care about reseating. Their 165s had first class areas when in service with BR, but Chiltern have just rebadged these as Quiet Zones while leaving the nicer 2+2 seating

Are you sure you're not thinking of the FGW 166s which had First class removed at one end? The seats in the former First class area on Chiltern were totally removed and replaced with a different type of seat, also installed at the other ends of the cars when they were refreshed in 2003-2005.

 

[Bletchleyite]

FINALLY Manchester to Scotland trains serve Preston - this does not look like a regional express route to me, all trains have catering and (small) First Class offer, and they are definitely long-distance services.

Sorry, those are the one exception. I forgot for a moment they weren't still VT/XC.

Neil
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Chiltern don't care about reseating. Their 165s had first class areas when in service with BR, but Chiltern have just rebadged these as Quiet Zones while leaving the nicer 2+2 seating

No, they haven't, I can confirm as someone familiar with 165s/166s both in their modified Chiltern and near-enough-original fGW form.

The 2+2 seating at the ends of Chiltern 165 vehicles is brand new, and there is more of it than just the old First Class - it's both end sections of all vehicles. AIUI the reason for not re-seating the centre section is that there is a fairly large amount of above-floor equipment which would prohibit (or rather make unaffordable) a different seating layout.

The Chiltern 165 refurb, while a little spartan, is *very* thorough.

Neil
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Yeah, us with our £20 railcard discounted First Class advances - do you have anything other than bitterness and jealousy to contribute on this subject?

Do you think providing First Class and lounges purely on the basis of cheapo, price-dumped tickets is financially viable?

Neil

 

[PermitToTravel]

I stand corrected thanks

 

[Lampshade]

I don't know of anywhere in the main station building they could put one, unless they double deck the current waiting room.

 

[Starmill]

Do you think providing First Class and lounges purely on the basis of cheapo, price-dumped tickets is financially viable?

Neil

I'm not sure how to answer this, given we have previously established that your concept of 'price dumping' doesn't have a meaning.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I'm not sure how to answer this, given we have previously established that your concept of 'price dumping' doesn't have a meaning.

I'm sure you can envisage the kind of heavily-discounted ticket I mean. The kind that have a use in filling seats that would otherwise go empty, but would not, if everyone paid that, come anywhere near covering costs.

Neil

 

[Howardh]

Glasgow Central has an excellent one already run by VT

You're right - I missed that!
That's the good news, however on Saturday for the GLA-Birmingham 1840 it will be no use, it closes at 6pm !

 

[BelleIsle]

I'm not sure what they are currently used for, but there's a lot of seemingly disused rooms around what I believe was the old bar to the south (i.e. First Class end) of p3/4.

I miss the old BK that used to be hidden there.

Not sure about a lounge, but last time I was there, Preston could certainly do with a bar serving proper beer.

It is being investigated. They should reinstate the quiz machine too.

that is DO agree with. is there even a decent one within walking distance?

The Vic (top of the ramp, just past the shoe shop) makes a good substitute. Plenty of guest ales and all the sports channels. Well, it did before it became impossible to cross Fishergate due to the new traffic scheme.

Though if it be breakfast you're after, Tasty's on Corporation Street is one of the finest breakfast bars I've ever come across.

It sure is. Nowt like sitting on a Euston making everyone envious with a bacon sarnie.