Dec 09 All Routes Timetable news

[whole diary]

[TheLastMinute]

I've just had the following email from FGW^▸ (First Great Western) about the All Route Timetables. Good news and bad...

The good is that FGW are still going to print them and they will now be available from the larger booking offices from December.

Bad news is that there will now be a ^3 charge but that's to not bad given it's a bit of a hefty publication and I think it's a bit much to expect them to subsidise it as they have done.

Dear Customer

I  am  writing  to  you  following  your  previous request of a First Great Western all routes timetable.

As you are aware Customer Service has been posting these timetables free of charge  upon  request.  The  take up for this was limited but we recognised there  are  a small number of customers who do prefer the complete version. Rather  than  withdraw  this  option  we  have introduced a small charge of ^3.00, to cover the cost of production.

Payments for the timetable need to be made at booking offices in order that the  charge  is  properly  recorded  and  accounted  for.  The timetable is therefore no longer available from Customer Service by post and can only be purchased  at any of the following First Great Western booking offices from the beginning of December.

Bath  Spa, Bristol Parkway, Bristol Temple Meads, Cheltenham Spa, Exeter St Davids,  London  Paddington,  Newbury, Oxford, Penzance, Plymouth, Reading, Slough, Swindon, Taunton, Truro and Westbury.

First  Great  Western  also  offer  a  full  range  of  complimentary  mini timetables  designed  to  cover  specific  routes along with a personalised ^print you own timetable^ feature on our website www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

These services allow our customers to select only the timetables they need. This  has  significantly  reduced  the  amount of paper used to produce our timetables and is a key part of our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.

Thank you for your time, whilst I appreciate introducing any charge will be unwelcome I trust I have explained why it is necessary, and what alternative options are available.

Yours sincerely

Neil Micklethwaite
Customer Service & Commercial Director

Cheers,
TLM

[basset44]

Hi,

Looks like FGW^▸ (First Great Western) have forgotten they run to Wales, it seems from email that you cannot purchase the timetable in Cardiff, Bridgend, Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea or is it because these stations are run by ATW^▸ (Arriva Trains Wales (former TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company)))

Basset

[Timmer]

After FGW^▸ (First Great Western) deciding to waive the ^2.50 charge and mail out a copy of the current All route TT, I am more than happy to pick one up and pay ^3 for the new one. Its well worth the asking price. Free pocket TTs are still available for those who want just their route so everyone is happy.

[Timmer]

The  take up for this was limited but we recognised there  are  a small number of customers who do prefer the complete version. Rather  than  withdraw  this  option  we  have introduced a small charge of ^3.00, to cover the cost of production.

Memo to FGW^▸ (First Great Western). When it goes on sale at stations suggest you promote it a bit more and you might find take up goes up beyond limited.

[Super Guard]

Hi,

Looks like FGW^▸ (First Great Western) have forgotten they run to Wales, it seems from email that you cannot purchase the timetable in Cardiff, Bridgend, Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea or is it because these stations are run by ATW^▸ (Arriva Trains Wales (former TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company)))

Basset

I think you've answered your own question.

[JayMac]

Methinks there's a clue in Neil Micklethwaite's job title that explains why the All Route TT fee isn't being waived this time......a commercial rather than customer service decision?

[ChrisB]

I think it's fair - they need to discourage take up of books like this which the average customer won't even look at most of it.....the number of TTs that get pulped twice a year is astounding and wasteful.

I'm not sure it needs promoting.

[Ollie]

Methinks there's a clue in Neil Micklethwaite's job title that explains why the All Route TT fee isn't being waived this time......a commercial rather than customer service decision?

FGW^▸ (First Great Western) doesn't have a customer service director as such.

Neil is actually in charge of both Commercial and Customer Service