06:42 Virgin train from to Euston
Discussion
I currently catch the 07:13 (London Midland service) and I'm considering upgrading my season ticket to First Class for a virtually guaranteed seat and a bit more comfort on my commute to/from work. Due to the very poor First Class offering on LM, I would probably choose to catch the 06:42 Virgin service in the mornings, as the Virgin First Class service offers 'free' tea/coffee and hot rolls, etc (and better comfort).
I used to catch the 06:42 Virgin service (in standard class) and it was always absolutely rammed and, 50% of the time, I'd end-up standing all the way to Euston. This is why I switched to the 07:13 LM service, which used to originate at Northampton and now originates at Rugby, but since it's a 12-car train, you can always get a seat in standard class.
So, here's the question... can anyone comment on seat availability on the Virgin 06:42 service in First Class? Are there always seats available, or is it still very busy, even in First Class?
Also, any general comments on First Class travel on London Midland and Virgin in general would be appreciated, as it's a lot of extra money (~£2,700 PA) for a First Class annual season ticket.
I used to catch the 06:42 Virgin service (in standard class) and it was always absolutely rammed and, 50% of the time, I'd end-up standing all the way to Euston. This is why I switched to the 07:13 LM service, which used to originate at Northampton and now originates at Rugby, but since it's a 12-car train, you can always get a seat in standard class.
So, here's the question... can anyone comment on seat availability on the Virgin 06:42 service in First Class? Are there always seats available, or is it still very busy, even in First Class?
Also, any general comments on First Class travel on London Midland and Virgin in general would be appreciated, as it's a lot of extra money (~£2,700 PA) for a First Class annual season ticket.
I'd not bother with the First Class on LM, it's full of the slightly less un-washed but all you get for the money is a seat which may (or may not) recline (slightly) and a paper doily on the back. I've used it a few times coming home from Euston when the advance fares were only a few quid more than the std but I'd certainly not even consider paying the extra. They only seem to have one first class trough per Train, despite the number of overall carriages - so it can still be full. Virgin on the other hand (from memory) have a lot more 1st class seats, a buffet car, you get a cup of tea/coffee etc. It's a few years since I've been on that train, I now get the 04:13 to London when I go in 'cos it's lovely and quiet - even the drunks are quiet...
Edited by ahaughton on Wednesday 6th February 09:27
LM have a first class carriage per four-carriage set on the train. Their idea of first class is a seat that leas back slightly, paper doily, and at-seat mains power. The first class carriages that time of day are hardly ever full of drunks - you'll find them full of LM staff or british transport police in plain clothes.
The Virgin first class service is a proper "service". As well as the reclining seat and seat-side power, you get free wifi and at-seat dining not buffet car (full english breakfast or smoke salmon and scrambled eggs, or bacon roll or sausage roll, toast, tea, coffee, juices and champagne). Plus the use of the lounges (not every station has them, but usual lounge stuff - free wifi, free snacks and drinks).
I always try and catch the Virgin train rather than LM when I can, but having a "valid all routes" ticket is of course the most expensive option.
The Virgin first class service is a proper "service". As well as the reclining seat and seat-side power, you get free wifi and at-seat dining not buffet car (full english breakfast or smoke salmon and scrambled eggs, or bacon roll or sausage roll, toast, tea, coffee, juices and champagne). Plus the use of the lounges (not every station has them, but usual lounge stuff - free wifi, free snacks and drinks).
I always try and catch the Virgin train rather than LM when I can, but having a "valid all routes" ticket is of course the most expensive option.
Podie said:
Must admit, I never have an issue with getting a seat on either the 06:35 or 07:00 services.
On the few occasions I've taken the 07:13 I don't recall ever having to stand....
Incidentally, I also don't recall any Virgin services stopping at NMP in the evening....?
I can get a seat, no problem. However, since the recent changes (ie. platform change for the 07:13 and the fact that it now originates at Rugby rather than Northampton), the entire train is always made-up of green seat carriages, whereas, before, there was always a set with blue seats (which offer far greater comfort with an arm rest and more room). The green seat carriages, as anyone who travels regularly on LM services knows, are like cattle trucks and travelling at peak times involves either hanging off the edge of the seat (aisle side), or being wedged up against the window or, worse, between 2 other people. This is, primarily, what's making me think twice about upgrading to First Class. A seat is also pretty-much guaranteed, even if I'm delayed leaving the office and get to the platform just prior to departure (which almost guarantees standing at peak times in standard class). Travelling First Class also makes the 06:42 Virgin service workable for me, since I would actually be able to get a seat instead of having to contend with the scrum for a standard class seat. The 06:42 really is ridiculously busy when VT decide to send down a 5-car Super Voyager instead of the 9-car Pendolino service.On the few occasions I've taken the 07:13 I don't recall ever having to stand....
Incidentally, I also don't recall any Virgin services stopping at NMP in the evening....?
PS. You're right, there's no VT service leaving Euston that stops at Northampton... the closest Northbound VT stop is Milton Keynes Central, unfortunately.
Edited by ian_uk1975 on Thursday 7th February 01:11
Podie said:
You might want to check that you do actually get brekkie - when I asked that particular service did not qualify.
Something to do with it being a LM "replacement" service.
Breakfast is available, but only the lighter option (hot rolls and tea/coffee).Something to do with it being a LM "replacement" service.
The full cooked breakfast is only available to passengers boarding at Rugby, where that service orginates.
ian_uk1975 said:
Breakfast is available, but only the lighter option (hot rolls and tea/coffee).
The full cooked breakfast is only available to passengers boarding at Rugby, where that service orginates.
TBH that's a good option. Having moved from Northampton to MK and picked up a contract in Coventry, I get the 7:13 Virgin service from MK to Birmingham. It's 30 mins to Coventry and I've become addicted to their sausage rolls. 3 really nice sausages in a toasted roll with choice of sauce. And coffee and fruit juice. The full cooked breakfast is only available to passengers boarding at Rugby, where that service orginates.
I get the 4:50pm evening service coming home and get a sandwich, crisps, fruit, chocolate or cake and sometimes a cheeky glass of wine if it's been a long day. It's a pretty good service its just quite expensive especially if you need to get an "all routes" ticket to allow you to use LM trains which you'll have to do to get back to Northampton in the evening. IIRC my monthly Northampton-London ticket was approximately £680.
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