Scotrail Franchise - Abellio

[sprinterguy]

2. There will be catering, but I've not seen anything to say it will be a buffet. I'd be surprised if there was a business case for it TBH.

Abellio Scotrail have in fact promised "(a) high quality on-board service, buffet and at seat catering" as part of their initial franchise announcement.

Provision of a buffet on all Inter-city trains from December 2018 is also written into the franchise agreement:

Improved Catering Facilities

On or before the 31st December 2018, the Franchisee shall ensure that catering facilities are available on all rolling stock deployed on Passenger Services on Inter-city Routes. The Franchise shall install a catering area located between First and Standard featuring a service hatch, coffee machine, combination oven, refrigeration, water boiler, preparation services and product storage to support the at-seat trolley service.

Scotrail's HST sets will have thirty first class seats, which points very much towards the first class carriage being a buffet vehicle.

 

[FordFocus]

Great to see investment in onboard facilities..... and then we have FGW....

 

[me123]

Scotrail's HST sets will have thirty first class seats, which points very much towards the first class carriage being a buffet vehicle.

I'd very much like to see an improved FC offering on Scotrail's new HST sets. I think if we're going to have a buffet vehicle, there'll be space for a simple complementary offering - not as elaborate as EC, but perhaps light meals and complimentary snacks?

 

[ainsworth74]

I'd very much like to see an improved FC offering on Scotrail's new HST sets. I think if we're going to have a buffet vehicle, there'll be space for a simple complementary offering - not as elaborate as EC, but perhaps light meals and complimentary snacks?

My money would be on something similar to the current VTEC Food Bar (see here) but with some light meals added (something like the old East Coast menu prior to the complemtary offer where they had things like Chicken Korma and Beef Lasagne on the menu).

Don't think we'll be seeing Pullman Dining somehow however

 

[sprinterguy]

I'd very much like to see an improved FC offering on Scotrail's new HST sets. I think if we're going to have a buffet vehicle, there'll be space for a simple complementary offering - not as elaborate as EC, but perhaps light meals and complimentary snacks?

The franchise agreement ensures that "an improved complimentary food and drink offer is provided to First Class customers" on Inter-city trains following the introduction of HSTs.

I don't think it specifies how extensive this offering has to be, but does state that "the new (galley equipment on the Inter-city train fleet) will offer at least the capability to offer coffee and freshly chilled food."

There should be more modest improvements before that, with a new on-train menu required before the end of this year.

 

[Butts]

According to the Timetable I was looking at, Abellio are going to have catering on all services at Night - right up till and including 2330 departures on the Glasgow to Edinburgh via Falkirk High Service.

Also some at the Weekend as well.

This is definitely a major escalation of service - wonder how long it will last ?

 

[infobleep]

According to the Timetable I was looking at, Abellio are going to have catering on all services at Night - right up till and including 2330 departures on the Glasgow to Edinburgh via Falkirk High Service.

Also some at the Weekend as well.

This is definitely a major escalation of service - wonder how long it will last ?

Given everyone else seems to be cutting back, I'm sure it won't last forever. It will have to remain until they can find a reason to get out of having to provided it so extensively.

 

[Highland37]

Thanks for the replies. It certainly sounds like an improvement in service all round when it actually happens.

I use the Inverness to Glasgow service regularly with large youth groups and the Turbostars are torture as they are so cramped and luggage space is limited.

When I lived in Beauly the 158s seemed to have a fan constantly running with a lud humming noise that seemed to be designed to cause a headache. Let's hope they get that sorted.

On a more general note, the dualling of the A9 will cause some issues and a more integrated view of goods and people movement would be welcome. I'd welcome some restrictions on HGVs on the A9 but with additional opportunities on the railway for hauliers and suppliers. Some gauge enhancement wouldn't do any harm.

 

[GatwickDepress]

Given everyone else seems to be cutting back, I'm sure it won't last forever. It will have to remain until they can find a reason to get out of having to provided it so extensively.

Connex's three trolleys on the peak Connex Express comes to mind...

 

[reb0118]

According to the Timetable I was looking at, Abellio are going to have catering on all services at Night - right up till and including 2330 departures on the Glasgow to Edinburgh via Falkirk High Service.

Also some at the Weekend as well.

This is definitely a major escalation of service - wonder how long it will last ?

Given everyone else seems to be cutting back, I'm sure it won't last forever. It will have to remain until they can find a reason to get out of having to provided it so extensively.

There is a franchise requirement to have two members of staff on E&G services (as well as others). The steward/host will fulfil this requirement once the new DOO services start.

Discuss.

 

[380gk]

There is a franchise requirement to have two members of staff on E&G services (as well as others). The steward/host will fulfil this requirement once the new DOO services start.

No they won't.
The trains will still require a ticket examiner on board as it's a franchise commitment that someone is available on board almost all trains to sell tickets.
And no, trolley staff won't be trained on this.

 

[Blindtraveler]

I can see this being renegotiated as a way of cutting costs TBH. It actually makes sense to me to have a Kitkat, Coffee and a CDR to Perth all in one.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
That said Id still rather have a proper guard doing a proper job but lets not go down that route.

 

[marks87]

I can see this being renegotiated as a way of cutting costs TBH. It actually makes sense to me to have a Kitkat, Coffee and a CDR to Perth all in one.

Sorry, I disagree.



It never makes sense to buy a ticket to Perth

 

[ScotTrains]

once the £7.50 First class to any city fares start I'm sure it will be very popular. Currently I deliberately try to avoid Scotrail when traveling first class as their catering service is so poor compared to east coast. First class on scotrail is usual very quiet especially during off peak times. Having a better catering service and lower fares will help increase demand.

 

[Masboroughlad]

More franchise specs should have minimum catering specified.

 

[overthewater]

It wont last if there charging £4 for a simple Bacon roll.

 

[me123]

It wont last if there charging £4 for a simple Bacon roll.

I think you meant to say: It wont last if they're charging £4 for a simple Bacon roll. [/grammarnazi]

Actually, you can get away with charging more on train than you would off. People travelling longer distance in Scotland generally aren't doing so every day, and actually a £4 bacon roll would have a higher uptake than you may think. EastCoast in their various incarnations have always charged in that region for their various incarnations of the bacon sandwich product, and it does sell.

£4 for a bacon roll and a hot drink would prove better value, and I'd suspect would generate more money than a £4 bacon roll + £1.50+ for a cup of tea.

 

[Blindtraveler]

Agreed, bundling a breaky deal like that is a great way to make foalk buy it, I would!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Sorry, I disagree.



It never makes sense to buy a ticket to Perth

Aha! We've found someone to blame for the new barriers, at last!

 

[marks87]

I think there might be some confusion - I wasn't advocating fare evasion; I was advocating not visiting Perth!

 

[Blindtraveler]

I think there
might be some confusion - I wasn't advocating fare evasion; I was advocating not visiting Perth!

No sweat mate, my comment was equally tongue in cheek and know exactly what you mean! Apologies, also to mods for off topic!

 

[Agent_c]

I think there might be some confusion - I wasn't advocating fare evasion; I was advocating not visiting Perth!

The barriers are to make sure you don't by accident :P

 

[Blindtraveler]

Agreed, even the financial and gastronomic horrors of the Scotrail trolley are better than any dinner Iv had in said city

 

[PaxVobiscum]

I think you meant to say: It wont last if they're charging £4 for a simple Bacon roll. [/grammarnazi]

Or perhaps: It won't last if they're charging £4 for a simple Bacon roll. [/punctuationpedant]

 

[me123]

Or perhaps: It won't last if they're charging £4 for a simple Bacon roll. [/punctuationpedant]

Perhaps if I'm being a Grammar Nazi, I shouldn't just copy and paste the one above me!

 

[Butts]

I have just returned from a trip from Falkirk to Thurso (staying overnight) and coming back today.

My attention was drawn to The No Smoking Signs that adorn the Platforms and these seem to have changed.

They now say the prohibition extends to open platforms which was not the case during the "First Regime" where smoking was permitted in these areas.

Has there been any publicity or announcements with regard to this as I have not seen or heard any. Perhaps these notices are a precursor to a future alteration of policy.

I and others still smoke in the open areas of Falkirk Stations in full view of staff with no adverse comments being made. Also the ashtrays between Platform 7 and 8 at Stirling Station are still in situ with smokers utilising them.

Today I also had a smoke on Thurso, Dingwall, Perth and Stirling Stations with no problem.

 

[najaB]

Has there been any publicity or announcements with regard to this as I have not seen or heard any. Perhaps these notices are a precursor to a future alteration of policy.

A few guards will say that smoking is not permitted on any part of the station, but I've not seen anything more official than that.

 

[Blindtraveler]

I do not know if or how they would introduce or regulate this but much as I think its a filthy habbit, my advice to you would be to say Go ahead and puff!

 

[Butts]

I do not know if or how they would introduce or regulate this but much as I think its a filthy habbit, my advice to you would be to say Go ahead and puff!

It's a bit of a joke on the line from Inverness to Thurso where there are only a couple of manned stations and most of them are only part-time.

It could be interesting at Dingle which has a café one side of the platform and a bar the other side which along with the station all share a common frontage of the platform.

Both had tables out on Sunday Evening as I passed - today on alighting I noticed the pubs are a permanent feature.

As for Thurso it looks as though it may be closed at the moment although the signs said it opened at 0945 after the first two trains have departed !!!

 

[cf111]

It's a bit of a joke on the line from Inverness to Thurso where there are only a couple of manned stations and most of them are only part-time.

It could be interesting at Dingle which has a café one side of the platform and a bar the other side which along with the station all share a common frontage of the platform.

Both had tables out on Sunday Evening as I passed - today on alighting I noticed the pubs are a permanent feature.

As for Thurso it looks as though it may be closed at the moment although the signs said it opened at 0945 after the first two trains have departed !!!

Thurso does indeed open after two trains have gone. We used to have a nice wee newsagents in the station building which was a godsend before the early departure to Inverness on a freezing cold 156 :cry:.

 

[Butts]

Thurso does indeed open after two trains have gone. We used to have a nice wee newsagents in the station building which was a godsend before the early departure to Inverness on a freezing cold 156 :cry:.

Considering there are only two more Departures I'm surprised they bother opening it at all. Is Wick any better with regard to facilities.

Dingwall certainly put's Thurso to shame with regard to facilities, perhaps because of it's proximity to Ross County's Stadium and the crowds that must bring and consequent trade.