Suggestion: IET internal modifications to make them more buggy friendly

[whole diary]

[IndustryInsider]

You may remember I've said about making some fairly minor internal layout alterations to the IETs^▸ (Intercity Express Train) to help solve the lack of space for buggies, which can often be found in doorways, or partially in the bike/luggage compartments.

Well, I've got out my measuring stick and worked out how I think it should be done.  Turns out that removal of four seats, replaced with three tip-up seats, can give you plenty of room for a buggy!  I've attached a diagram to show how it would work, including nominal measurements.

Feedback would be useful, otherwise it's over to you to improve things for your customers, GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway)! 

[broadgage]

I can see the merit of this suggestion, the only real drawback IMHO^▸ (in my humble opinion) is that it panders to those who refuse to fold buggies and thereby occupy excessive space.

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed "buggy inflation" whereby the contraptions become steadily larger as the years go past.

[CMRail]

I’ve also spoken  about the fact that 9 car vehicles have Standard Class wheelchair spaces yet are in the Quiet Carriage. LNER^» (London North Eastern Railway - about) worked around this and have the Quiet Carriage in coach H.

[Robin Summerhill]

I can see the merit of this suggestion, the only real drawback IMHO^▸ (in my humble opinion) is that it panders to those who refuse to fold buggies and thereby occupy excessive space.

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed "buggy inflation" whereby the contraptions become steadily larger as the years go past.

That may or may not be the case, but they are still substantially smaller than the prams some of us older buggers were pushed around in when we were kids.

My parents told me that my pram, together with numerous others, ended up in the guard's van when being taken into Bristol in the days when St Philip's station was still open. Unfortunately as I was only 15 months old when it closed I have absolutely no recollection of the trips whatsoever 

[JayMac]

become steadily larger as the years go past.

Bit like some of us!

[MVR S&T]

Why not have a coach with no fixed seats, just tip up seats around the edges, an easy clean non slip floor, hand grabs for standing, plenty of room for cycles, wheelchairs, prams, buggys, Isambard props, or lots of standing cummuters from London to the west country... (and surf boards)

[broadgage]

Why not have a coach with no fixed seats, just tip up seats around the edges, an easy clean non slip floor, hand grabs for standing, plenty of room for cycles, wheelchairs, prams, buggys, Isambard props, or lots of standing cummuters from London to the west country... (and surf boards)

A bit OTT^▸ (Open Train Times website) to have a whole coach fitted out thus, but perhaps about one quarter or one third of a coach might be reasonable, it would be what we used to call the guard's van or luggage van, but would need re branding these days.
"multi functional facility" or some such.

[IndustryInsider]

Doesn’t sound like the nicest environment for passengers to travel in.  I remember when wheelchair passengers were simply dumped in the guards van and left to spend the journey cold, alone and staring at piles of parcels!

[Oxonhutch]

I remember when wheelchair passengers were simply dumped in the guards van and left to spend the journey cold, alone and staring at piles of parcels!

On one absolutely packed  service from Oxford to New Street in the late seventies, I spent the entire journey in the guard’s van sitting on my own bicycle's seat. Nicely sprung, it was more comfortable than standing up!

[broadgage]

Doesn’t sound like the nicest environment for passengers to travel in.  I remember when wheelchair passengers were simply dumped in the guards van and left to spend the journey cold, alone and staring at piles of parcels!

Yes but the new multi functional space could be equipped with heating, windows, and the tip up seats would allow the companions of the wheelchair user to travel with them.
So not cold nor alone.

[chuffed]

couldn't the multifunctional user space described above sell hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, confectionary and cakes all at the same time. It could even be fixed in position.......

[broadgage]

couldn't the multifunctional user space described above sell hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, confectionary and cakes all at the same time. It could even be fixed in position.......

Not under present GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) management as it would be contrary to their strongly stated policy regarding such matters.
Might be worth considering by a future operator though.

Extend all the 9 car trains to 10 car by adding an extra vehicle incorporating the new multi function area.
About 40 or 50 seats in about half of the vehicle.
The other half of the vehicle to consist of stowage for bulky articles and heavy luggage and an area from which refreshment may be obtained.
At least a dozen tip up seats could be provided, primarily for those accompanying wheelchairs, baby carriages and the like.
Place this vehicle in the middle of the standard class section in order that no standard class customer has to walk far in order to use it.

[IndustryInsider]

I might have known my thread would get hijacked with buffet reinstatement suggestions.

[CMRail]

I might have known my thread would get hijacked with buffet reinstatement suggestions.

No suggestions as of current to have locomotives at each end and replace the sliding doors with slam doors.

[broadgage]

A locomotive at each end would IMO^▸ (in my opinion) be preferable, I see no merit in the return of slam doors.