Should First Class On Over-Packed Trains Be Abolished?

Question

Every morning I commute into London in overcrowded conditions whilst whole 'First Class' sections of the train are empty. Is this acceptable in modern day Britain? Is it not time to abandon first class on trains and accept that if you pay to travel, all are equal?

Answer 1

Yes, Yes, Yes but then if I had enough money to pay first class I might not agree. They should do free upgrades like on the planes.

Answer 2

No ,you pay extra to feel safer and more comfortable.If you can afford it you'd feel and do  the same. ps. I can't.

Answer 3

There is no way that someone NEEDS to pay £80 for a train ticket. I have snuck my way into first class and all that is different is slightly more ambient lighting and purple plush seating. I don't think there should be first class on any trains, especially the ones that are obviously going to be packed. I don't see why anyone feels the need to better themselves. Is it even better?!?! Completely pointless.

Answer 4

A First Class Ticket on commuter trains generally guarantees you a seat, while on long distance trains its more luxurious and you may get a meal included.

"accept that if you pay to travel, all are equal?"

But First Class ticket holders pay more for their luxury, if you were flying with an economy ticket and went and sat in business how long would you last?

BTW - South West Trains are removing first class from some trains on a commonly overcrowded route - they've met a lot of critisism from the Times and Torygraph for it.

Answer 5

you have a point there. Personally I think First class to me, is just so stuck up. A few years back I was travelling from Manchester-London & there was a announcement saying we could travel first class for (some price ) & I thought it was so daft!!

Answer 6

So pay the extra to go first class, the reason it costs more is because you get a higher quality of journey as you have aptly described.

Answer 7

How about realising the world does not revolve around you? Those trains may be very busy during the morning and evening peaks but the rest of the time they are not and the high levels of extra revenue that the train company makes from first class helps to subsidise the season ticket holders who pay less on a daily basis than anyone else.

Answer 8

The Train manager, Conductor or Guard on the service has the right to DeClassify 1st class, if there are free seats availiable and the train is deemed to be overcrowded. However the companies in the South East region do not like them to do this as it leads to compensation claims from 1st class paying passengers. Longer Distance Carriers (virgin GWR GNER) have there own policy about the trains including how many walk on passengers it will allow per service, so does not really affect them.

As a rail worker, I would like to see 1st class abolished totally. But the likelyhood of that happening is as rare as seeing a Manager turn up when there is disruption at a station.