Was good to see the customer host this morning taking a stand........

[whole diary]

[Mookiemoo]

Was on the insomniac special from WOS^» (Worcester Shrub Hill - next trains) (currently in virgin lounge at heathrow supping champers but I digress.....)

As we sped through Slough, passengers started to try to make their way from standard through the buffet - using the excuse the train is 10 minutes late (signalling issue at Radley)  so they need to get to the front ASAP.

The host who got on at Didcot to do the TRolley effectively barred their way.  Refused to let them pass insisting (rightly) that they did not have first tickets therefore they were not allowed to stand in first and that genuine first passengers should not have to queue to get off the train behind them or stand the last portion of the journey in order to be at the head of the queue.  Some upper class **** was very insulting and insisted on her name and line manager - all of which she supplied quite happily since she knew she was right.

So after the few scattered passengers in first had made their way to the vestibules she lets them pass........and I take great pleasure being very slow getting my two large suitcases through the door and off onto the platform - just to make them wait longer - the one I wasnt moving got left blocking the door - I was in no hurry since my flight doesnt leave until 1150!  Of course I could have gotten the 630 and made it but I dont trust the trains well enough to cut it that fine! 

It really is irritating though the charge of the light brigade through first on approach to paddington - only thing more annoying is the reverse charge with people who seem to think it is quicker to jump on in first and wander THROUGH the train

I hope the passenger does complain and gets short shrift from customer services!

[IndustryInsider]

I know it's been discussed about swapping the 1st Class from the London end to the Bristol end as virtually every service leaving Paddington has late comers getting on at the back and having to walk through 1st Class. Also, there's the Slough lot who (and the reason escapes me) would rather try and stand in 1st Class than walk 100 metres where there's usually plenty of seats in A and B. Another advantage is with bikes as I'm sure any of use who've used the station on a regular basis has seen cyclists legging it down the platform with seconds to spare - sometimes doing that 'one leg on the wrong pedal and scootering along' technique - where you have far less control over your bike!

Downside is that all the 1st Class punters would have further to walk on arrival or departure from Paddington (and a lot of signage would need changing), but I can't help thinking it would be a good idea. Perhaps you could give FGW^▸ (First Great Western) some feedback and help push them into at least trialling it FallenAngel?

[JayMac]

Not only walking through 1st class at Paddington, but nicking the newspapers as well! I'm sure if there was bottled water and biscuits at each table like NXEC^▸ (National Express East Coast), those would be pilfered as well.

[Phil]

I've certainly already given FGW^▸ (First Great Western) feedback to the effect that I would welcome reverse-forming trains as standard practice out of Paddington, largely for all the good reasons given above.

Kudos to the customer host in question though - wish I'd been there to see that!

[BBM]

This morning the 06:54 HST^▸ (High Speed Train) from Twyford was in reverse formation and the conductor was actually asking standing passengers to move forward to coaches A & B at the front where there were spare seats!

[RailCornwall]

Reversing operations at Paddington would be very umpopular with First Class passengers. One of the prime advantages being the ability to be first out of the main entrance of the station after arrival, whether to street, tube or taxi rank. It's a damn good perk to those travellers. 

[Phil]

Reversing operations at Paddington would be very umpopular with First Class passengers. One of the prime advantages being the ability to be first out of the main entrance of the station after arrival, whether to street, tube or taxi rank. It's a damn good perk to those travellers. 

Well, as I say, I'm a regular First Class passenger arriving at Padington, and I would definitely prefer to arrive and depart from the Western end of the platforms.

Then again, I usually exit the station on the Hammersmith and City line, so I often end up fighting my way back up the platform against the tide on arrival!

[Btline]

Don't think it'll happen, as it is one "perk" of travelling First Class. To remove it would further erode the value of a First Class ticket.

As for bikes, and people "legging it" - just shut the platforms, a la Charing Cross, 2 minutes before departure.

[Rogang]

Phil made a good point - a large number of inbound HST^▸ (High Speed Train) customers use the H&C so would have no issues with being at the western end. I have not heard many grumbles from the 1st class customers when arriving or leaving Paddington on a set in reverse formation

[Timmer]

only thing more annoying is the reverse charge with people who seem to think it is quicker to jump on in first and wander THROUGH the train

Couldn't agree more. Can't ever really relax until the train finally pulls out of Paddington for all the hoards making their way through to standard brushing past you with bags, luggage etc. Its far easier to walk along the platform rather than in a confined space. I don't have a problem with reversing the formation, EMT^» (East Midlands Trains - about) do it so why not. It does have its advantages though having 1st at the front if you are in a hurry but with changes to the way the Circle line operates coming in December using the H&C line platforms may be a better bet anyway.

[devon_metro]

I bet punters at Bristol Temple Meads, Cardiff Central etc will like that then, miles from the stairs. Plus at places such as Exeter St Davids the great unwashed wait in that area, so might cause more problems than its worth tbh!

[Phil]

Swings and roundabouts... punters at Pewsey wouldn't have so far to go - in fact, first class customers would have the luxury of stepping out onto an actual platform!

[JayMac]

I have the solution.......luxury golf carts for all 1st class punters

[Btline]

FGW^▸ (First Great Western) won't do it. They won't want to risk bad publicity and boycotts from their most important passengers!

[vacman]

FGW^▸ (First Great Western) won't do it. They won't want to risk bad publicity and boycotts from their most important passengers!

you maybe wrong Btline, rumour is that FGW are looking into the possibilty of turning all sets.