Neil Williams wrote:
On 13 Jan 2005 22:45:33 -0800, wrote:

Before privatisation most trains had guard/luggage vans where bikes
could be stored. Now only a few remaining slam door trains have
them.
Pity also the poor traveller with lots of luggage and nowhere to put
it
on a train. Yet another example of market forces driven profit
before
people.

Twaddle. New trains have, for a long period, not had guard's vans,
even under BR. This is nothing to do with "profit before people",
but
is merely because passenger trains no longer carry newspapers,
parcels
and post so the space is really not needed.

New trains mainly came in after privatisation. Before the BR had been
run down. Cyclists and people with lots of luggage still need the
space.

Those who do need it (cyclists, those with luggage and wheelchair
users) are better served by distributed space in the passenger saloon

Sure! Crammed in with standing passengers near the doors.

or vestibule, because in the former case they can keep an eye on
their
bike or luggage, while in the latter they can travel in suitable
accommodation and not in what feels like the back of a lorry.

When I use the few remaining guard's vans I sit in the adjacent
compartment with other travellers.

Cycling groups are constantly at odds with TOs over the modern lack of
provision.

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