From
Rail MagazineFive Parliamentary Written Questions relating to West Coast Partnership franchise issues such as staff and ticketing have been disregarded by Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris.
Lisa Nandy (Labour, Wigan) asked if First Trenitalia, which replaces Virgin Trains in December, would maintain staffing levels, if all ticket offices would remain open and staffed, if catering would be retained on-board, if existing train crew and catering depot locations would be retained, and if a guard would be retained on the trains.
Heaton-Harris responded to each question with: “The operational management of the franchise will be a matter for the operator, First Trenitalia West Coast, who can be contacted via FirstGroup.”
Travelling this morning on the 07:47 Liverpool Lime Street to Euaton, on an advanced first class ticket I have treated myself to, I am enjoying the level of service and breakfast included in the price. Importantly, nearly every seat is taken, and the product provide to me clearly encourages me to use this service / route again; for many people, that would be in preference to driving.
