Prompted by a discussion on this thread, I thought it could do with it's own thread.
In the thread, a lot was discussed about the re-introduction of "3rd Class", which I think would be a possible idea in the future (not really a fan of it), but with a few changes:
I'd scrap the terminology of "3rd Class" for a start, a bit insulting in the modern day of age: a reminder of the mid 1900s. I think, instead of having a lower class than standard, why not bridge the gap between Standard, and First a bit? Something like a "Premium Class", as used on Eurostar, but slightly different. The same idea I had in the other thread as a reply to another user:
I heard something like this was used on the WCML, something along the lines of "Silver Standard"?
In the thread, a lot was discussed about the re-introduction of "3rd Class", which I think would be a possible idea in the future (not really a fan of it), but with a few changes:
I'd scrap the terminology of "3rd Class" for a start, a bit insulting in the modern day of age: a reminder of the mid 1900s. I think, instead of having a lower class than standard, why not bridge the gap between Standard, and First a bit? Something like a "Premium Class", as used on Eurostar, but slightly different. The same idea I had in the other thread as a reply to another user:
Disagree with you there on a number of levels. Even the people who "just want to get from A to B" want a decent seat, a window, table and luggage space. People aren't even content with the current seating arrangements in some standard class trains, the Voyagers for example: with only 2 group tables in each coach, too many cramped airline style seats, and poor window alignment.Personally I think First class and standard class are currently too similar. I would like to see an improvement to First class: bigger meals, seats, etc (though East coast is quite good). I'd also like to see a reintroduction of third class. Perhaps call it extra economy for those who don't like the term third class. This could be megatrain type tickets in a coach with just seats, no tables, no window alignment and little luggage space. Basically for people who just want to get from a to b cheaply.
The "3rd class" idea wouldn't be popular under the conditions in which you stated: poor window to seat alignment, little luggage space, no tables etc. It would definitely decrease passenger satisfaction levels, no one would want to use it. It wouldn't generate revenue for TOC's as it would involve either cutting the cost of tickets ontop of the fact they would be running an extra carriage, or converting standard carriages. Why does the conditions of this "3rd class" have to be like you stated? In my opinion, the only reason a 3rd class was to be introduced would be to introduce an "in-between of standard and first." Definitely wouldn't use the terminology 3rd class, would be more of an insult to passengers, as it would clearly highlight a division between social classes like in the old BR days.
I'd have the format something like this: STANDARD-PREMIUM-FIRST. Standard class being the same as it is now. Premium being more about extra comfort and space, with a fixed and cheap upgrade scheme for both weekends and weekdays to make it more appealing and affordable, providing slightly bigger seats (not the same as First) and fixed tables at every seat (including airline ones) aligned with windows throughout, in 2+1 formation, but without complimentary service. A class something similar to First Class on the Voyagers (Would certainly generate more revenue and be more feasible able for TOC's). First Class would have even bigger seats, an at seat service, more legroom, bigger tables, curtains, cutlery/cups at tables. Basically the same First Class as used by Virgin Trains East Coast.
I heard something like this was used on the WCML, something along the lines of "Silver Standard"?
Last edited: