Why don't average trains have shops on unlike Virgin Trains?

Question

Let me rephrase that : Why don't trains that go round the local area unlike the ones that go from Manchester to London why don't the local one have a shop on where you can buy newspapers, coffee and a choclate. They have these on Virgin Trains they only have shops at the platform which is no good if you are on a long journey on the same train and can't stop for a drink at that stations shop because the next train is in 4 hours!

Answer 1

Mainly because, local people tend to travel on local trains, and will therefore have a knowledge of the local area, specifically local shops which sell things at reasonable prices.

Also, local trains tend to be almost empty in the middle of the day, so it would not pay to have a shop on the trains at this time of day.

As well as this, local trains do not have the facility for a shop built in to their design.  This shop feature is only a relatively new feature, since Virgin introduced their Pendolino and Voyager trains.

Answer 2

THAT DEPENDS  ON DEMAND ON THE ROUTE &  PASSENGERS

Answer 3

Not financially viable - the audience is not captive for long enough for a franchise to be worth buying to supply commuter services or local trains, on longer journeys there is more chance of attaining a profit from the passengers due to them being locked on the train for longer.

Answer 4

Sorry, but have you heard about the overcrowding issue on trains? It is hard enough sometimes to stand let alone find a seat and you want to go back to taking more space away from Passengers?

Also average trains, which equate to non long distance express services have a stopping pattern that means sometimes every 1 or 2 minutes calling at another station, and the majority of people taking between a 15 and 20 minute train ride to and from there destination. Yes some people do stay on longer, but then there are enough outlets at stations to allow them to buy papers, beverages, etc, around. And on some trains a walking trolley service for more coffee on journeys over an hour.

Answer 5

Do you want to say that again? Think first.

Answer 6

That question is a little confusing.

Answer 7

Why can't you sit still for the ride without feeling the urge to go shopping, whats your name Victoria Beckham.?lol

Answer 8

Usually long distance trains have an onboard shop or a cart that a man pushes down the aisle to sell food and drinks. But for local trains they don't usually have them and don't really need them.

Answer 9

Now that is a nice thought.

Answer 10

What are you on about? You say why don't trains on local journeys have a shop on board only on the stations then say this is no good if you are on a long journey. By definition a local journey is not long.

Answer 11

because average ppl dont want to pay 6 quid for a tuna sandwich and a further 2 quid for a juice.

if it goes from a to b why would it need a shop!

Answer 12

Are saying Virgin trains do or don't have shops?

Answer 13

All long haul services either have a buffet car or a trolley service selling refreshments. It is pointless having on board facilities on local commuter services as the average journey times are too short.

If you are travelling on a longer rural service, check the local timetable before you leave and it will tell you if that train has on board refreshments available. If it doesn't buy a drink before you board.