London Banter - View Single Post

Colin Rosenstiel · November 8th 05, 11:05 AM posted to uk.transport.london

In article ,
(Paul Terry) wrote:

In message .com,
Andrea writes

Why do some South Eastern operators, e.g. Thameslink and Southern
have First Class? Aside from the fact that the seating is not very
differnt to Standard (apart from Thameslink who at least have proper
First Class seats),

The First Class accommodation on SWT is noticeably different to
Standard - wider seats (2+2 rather than 2+3), sockets for computers
and phones, individual reading lights, etc.

there are never any ticket checks on board these trains so
First Class can become a free-for-all with no distinction between who
has a Standard ticket in First and who doesn't.

I've certainly seen checks.

Just what is the logic behind offering First Class on suburban routes
in the London metropolis?

In the case of SWT, there is a distinction between true suburban
routes (the Hounslow and Kingston loops, for example) and semifast
outer suburban routes, such as the Windsor line, where there are a
limited number of inner London stops. First class is usually provided
only on the latter - presumably because there is a demand for it.

South West Trains also has the more main line routes to Weymouth and
Portsmouth, not to mention Paignton via Salisbury and Exeter.

--
Colin Rosenstiel