The answer arrived on Friday. After blogging last week about a recent journey on Arriva Trains, I contacted the press office for a response.
The short statement came by email and I’m quoting from it here:
Carriages used on the Arriva Trains Wales mainline service are currently in the process of being upgraded thanks to Welsh Assembly Government and ATW funding. £7.5 million will be invested in the programme over the next 18 months, with the Arriva Class 153, 158 and 175 fleet all undergoing an upgrade program.
The Class 158 re-furbishment will include new seating, a state of the art Passenger Information System and improved luggage storage facilities, additional space for wheelchairs, as well as a full refurbishment of toilets. Power sockets will also be fitted at some tables.
Some – why not all will have power sockets?
And what about the 153 and 175 class?
At a time when we are being encouraged to leave our cars at home and use the trains, what do other Arriva passengers think about the response?
Virgin Trains and Wrexham & Shropshire all have a decent business service. Is Arriva doing enough to stay on track?
Please post your comments below.
At least they responded. First CC seem to be bombarded with a continual stream of frustrated abuse on twitter to which they seem never to respond.
I don’t have specific experience of using this route, but I agree that more needs to be done in the UK to make rail travel more competitive. Eurostar has recently announced massive investment in its speed and facilities, inc free wifi, so we can only hope that some UK operators take note.
The availability of these elusive, cheap fares which are being advertised constantly is another thorny issue. I wonder if you or your readers might have a view on that and care to vote in my poll?
http://joolsstone.wordpress.com/2010/10/02/finding-cheap-uk-train-tickets-online/
At least they responded. First CC seem to be bombarded with a continual stream of frustrated abuse on twitter to which they seem never to respond.
I don’t have specific experience of using this route, but I agree that more needs to be done in the UK to make rail travel more competitive. Eurostar has recently announced massive investment in its speed and facilities, inc free wifi, so we can only hope that some UK operators take note.
The availability of these elusive, cheap fares which are being advertised constantly is another thorny issue. I wonder if you or your readers might have a view on that and care to vote in my poll?
http://joolsstone.wordpress.com/2010/10/02/finding-cheap-uk-train-tickets-online/
Thanks for your comment Jools. And for the link – I’ve already cast my vote. D
Thanks for your comment Jools. And for the link – I’ve already cast my vote. D