Demise of a Great Railway Experience
Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 12:44 pm
Yesterday, 26 January 2011, I experienced first-hand, the ending of a 99% customer-approved railway service!
Booked to leave Wrexham General for London Marylebone first-class at 05.10 hrs, we were greeted by shell-shocked staff, who informed us that the service would not leave. They had been informed the day before – some via Facebook – that the company, Wrexham & Shropshire Railway, would cease trading on Friday 28th January. The Train Managers booked to work the 05.10, had decided to stay in bed rather than work the train to London.
We returned home to Cymau, but after consultation decided to catch the 07.23 service instead. This was a good decision as the experience was superb – as was the return from Marylebone at 16.30 hrs.
The meals were first-class; the service impeccable and the Train Managers - although very sad, were efficient, good natured and extremely courteous.
This service at Standard class level was better, in my opinion, than first-class on either Virgin or Arriva Trains.
We have lost a treasure of a railway service and questions must be asked at Government level as to the how’s and why’s of Deutsche Bahn, the owners, being allowed to play fast and loose with 50 jobs and ending a service beloved by those who use it regularly?
Eric Hollingsworth - North Wales
Booked to leave Wrexham General for London Marylebone first-class at 05.10 hrs, we were greeted by shell-shocked staff, who informed us that the service would not leave. They had been informed the day before – some via Facebook – that the company, Wrexham & Shropshire Railway, would cease trading on Friday 28th January. The Train Managers booked to work the 05.10, had decided to stay in bed rather than work the train to London.
We returned home to Cymau, but after consultation decided to catch the 07.23 service instead. This was a good decision as the experience was superb – as was the return from Marylebone at 16.30 hrs.
The meals were first-class; the service impeccable and the Train Managers - although very sad, were efficient, good natured and extremely courteous.
This service at Standard class level was better, in my opinion, than first-class on either Virgin or Arriva Trains.
We have lost a treasure of a railway service and questions must be asked at Government level as to the how’s and why’s of Deutsche Bahn, the owners, being allowed to play fast and loose with 50 jobs and ending a service beloved by those who use it regularly?
Eric Hollingsworth - North Wales