Just thought I would post a bit here about how I've found the level of service on XC and FGW services.
I have found XC services to be very good. The staff onboard are very friendly, one of the Retail Service Managers that was working onboard the train was very jokey and polite and was very greatful for the sweat I offered him. He recognised me again when I alighted from the train and said bye, wished me a good day and thanked me again for the sweet. I felt this added a much appreciated personal touch to the service.
Today I've just travelled with XC from Exeter St. Davids to Bristol Temple Meads. I had reserved seats but found a drunked indivdual sitting in the seat who had already managed to get himself into an argument with the Train Manager before I had boarded. The TM was asking him to remove his luggage from the aisle. He refusing insisting that he must be able to see it at all times despite it being pointed out that there was an empty luggage rack at the end of the carriage with plenty of empty seats next to it. He was drunk and wasn't having any of it though. The TM then moved the luggage for him and the guy went mental, pushing the TM back and taking the luggage back. He was then told to move it or get off the train. He eventually moved but to first class whilst leaving a horrible smell behind. I think he was eventually removed from the train, we certainly had to wait for something.
Later on the Retail guy came around and I purchased a bottle of drink off him and he very kindly chucked in 2 cups so we could share it. He also was very friendly.
I also travelled on 4 FGW services today. Two were find but one was overcrowed and I had no seat whilst the other had beer bottles all over the place, the bin was spewing coffee cups and there was a ton of general litter and hair all over the seats.
All in all I'm impressed with XC and the service they have to offer, not so impressed with FGW.
I have found XC services to be very good. The staff onboard are very friendly, one of the Retail Service Managers that was working onboard the train was very jokey and polite and was very greatful for the sweat I offered him. He recognised me again when I alighted from the train and said bye, wished me a good day and thanked me again for the sweet. I felt this added a much appreciated personal touch to the service.
Today I've just travelled with XC from Exeter St. Davids to Bristol Temple Meads. I had reserved seats but found a drunked indivdual sitting in the seat who had already managed to get himself into an argument with the Train Manager before I had boarded. The TM was asking him to remove his luggage from the aisle. He refusing insisting that he must be able to see it at all times despite it being pointed out that there was an empty luggage rack at the end of the carriage with plenty of empty seats next to it. He was drunk and wasn't having any of it though. The TM then moved the luggage for him and the guy went mental, pushing the TM back and taking the luggage back. He was then told to move it or get off the train. He eventually moved but to first class whilst leaving a horrible smell behind. I think he was eventually removed from the train, we certainly had to wait for something.
Later on the Retail guy came around and I purchased a bottle of drink off him and he very kindly chucked in 2 cups so we could share it. He also was very friendly.
I also travelled on 4 FGW services today. Two were find but one was overcrowed and I had no seat whilst the other had beer bottles all over the place, the bin was spewing coffee cups and there was a ton of general litter and hair all over the seats.
All in all I'm impressed with XC and the service they have to offer, not so impressed with FGW.