Grecian 1998
Member
(Mods I wasn't sure if this is the right section - sorry and please move if appropriate.)
After reading that XC HSTs will gone soon, I was mulling over the fact that there are now two routes out of Bristol where I may favour a slow train over a fast service.
From Bristol - Cardiff, the options each hour are typically a 166 and or 165 on the Portsmouth service and a Castle HST or a 800 on the Taunton / Penzance service. The Portsmouth train is the faster service as it doesn't usually call at Patchway or Severn Tunnel Junction. However, the Taunton service is usually far more comfortable - 2+2 seating over 2+ 3 - and usually has far more free seats. 158s might be used which are far more comfortable than 166s but even then the legroom is significantly poorer than on the Taunton services. The journey time difference is also very minor. I therefore invariably favour the Taunton service. Talking to colleagues who commute from Wales to Bristol, I've noticed they seem to take the same view.
For Bristol - Exeter, XC services are typically 20 minutes faster than GWR stopping services running through to Exeter and points beyond. However, if there is a 4 coach 220 followed by GWR Castle HST or 800, I will likely wait for the latter - far less likely to be overcrowded. I have no dislike of the Voyagers except for the overcrowding, so I'd always get the XC service if worked by a double set - a 5 coach 221 is borderline. Admittedly in this instance, neither service is hourly so it also depends on what's running at any time.
Are there any other examples of routes where unless time is absolutely critical, the slower train is likely to be a more pleasant experience? Obviously this is somewhat subjective, but I'd assume there's not much argument that 2+2 seating is better than 2+3 seating, and sitting beats being crush loaded.
After reading that XC HSTs will gone soon, I was mulling over the fact that there are now two routes out of Bristol where I may favour a slow train over a fast service.
From Bristol - Cardiff, the options each hour are typically a 166 and or 165 on the Portsmouth service and a Castle HST or a 800 on the Taunton / Penzance service. The Portsmouth train is the faster service as it doesn't usually call at Patchway or Severn Tunnel Junction. However, the Taunton service is usually far more comfortable - 2+2 seating over 2+ 3 - and usually has far more free seats. 158s might be used which are far more comfortable than 166s but even then the legroom is significantly poorer than on the Taunton services. The journey time difference is also very minor. I therefore invariably favour the Taunton service. Talking to colleagues who commute from Wales to Bristol, I've noticed they seem to take the same view.
For Bristol - Exeter, XC services are typically 20 minutes faster than GWR stopping services running through to Exeter and points beyond. However, if there is a 4 coach 220 followed by GWR Castle HST or 800, I will likely wait for the latter - far less likely to be overcrowded. I have no dislike of the Voyagers except for the overcrowding, so I'd always get the XC service if worked by a double set - a 5 coach 221 is borderline. Admittedly in this instance, neither service is hourly so it also depends on what's running at any time.
Are there any other examples of routes where unless time is absolutely critical, the slower train is likely to be a more pleasant experience? Obviously this is somewhat subjective, but I'd assume there's not much argument that 2+2 seating is better than 2+3 seating, and sitting beats being crush loaded.
