Great Western Coffee Shop

Maidenhead commuters may not have noticed the change to the timetable, effective from 13th December, which sees the merger of the quick 07:02 and 07:04 services to Paddington.  According to a note from local MP Theresa May, this is for train refurbishment.  Whist being done for a laudible reason I hope that taking the train our of service is only a very short term measure. 

Be standing room only on the 07:03 then

Not suer what the actual capacity of either train is but, given existing high utilisation, I'm sure that it's going to be far worse than a spot of minor overcrowding.  I suppose the capacity on a HST could be increased a bit by redesignating the First Class carriages as open to all but I suspect that FGW isn't currently intending for that to happen.

Remove the 2 first class and the buffet then replace them with standard class and instantly FGW would double the capacity of the train

And where are these standard class coaches coming from/what is this set going to do for the rest of the day?

Did not say it was going to be easy  :D  May FGW are relying on the City of London redundancies to reduce the number of passengers.

It actually shows how dire the availability of rolling stock is in the Thames Valley that a service has to be knocked out to allow for refurbishment

And what about this "extra" HST when it arrives?

And the 180s?

Just redesignate the First Class carriages as standard class - no need to change rolling stock.  Just means a few lucky commuters have nice seats.

Those paying for FC won't like that one.

I agree with the earlier comment about replacing carriages F&G. It always amazes me why there are so many FC seats on HSTs.  Is the capacity regularly utilised?

In a word Yes.

People only pay for a first class season ticket so they are guaranteed a seat/table/ two seats to work/ sleep etc.

Take that away, and FGW will have more than a pathetic "fares strike" to deal with!!!!

NB: I have never bought a First Class ticket, nor am I planning to (unless it is cheaper than second).

I find First Class is much more relaxing that standard class and the free food and drink is a big bonus.