Train firm reverses bikes decision after outcry (From Daily Echo)
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South West Trains reverses bikes ban decision after outcry from passengers
11:55am Monday 16th July 2012 in News
South West Trains
HAMPSHIRE residents will be able to hop on a train with their non-folding bikes to get to the Olympics after bosses decide against a blanket ban.
As previously reported, South West Trains had come under criticism over plans to ban non-folding bikes from all trains during the London 2012 games in a bid to free up space for more passengers.
However, after listening to their passengers the decision for the blanket ban has been lifted and normal regulations with remain in place, which will place restrictions on non-folding bikes during peak times and on certain services.
A South West Trains spokesman said: “During the Olympics and Paralympics games our train services are going to be even busier. We will be carrying significant numbers of extra passengers on top of our normal levels of daily customers.
“We have considered carefully the position regarding cycles over the period of London 2012, including listening to feedback from our customers and our staff.
“Following that review, we have decided that our policy for non-folding and folding bicycles will remain unchanged throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
However, all bikes will not be allowed on services via Epsom on July 28 and 29 to make space for those going to see the cycle race at Box Hill.
Comments(19)
downfader
says...
2:09pm Mon 16 Jul 12
OSPREYSAINT wrote:Well said.
The best way to make more room for passengers is more trains and more coaches not banning certain categories of travelling passengers! When the Train Operating Companies start thinking "customer", not "profit" they might actually do themselves a favour.
And just look at the trains in other countries (Germany for example) - all have dedicated bike carriages, lower fares and are more efficient
Georgem
says...
2:14pm Mon 16 Jul 12
OSPREYSAINT wrote:As long as they're answerable to shareholders, they'll always be thinking "profit" first.
The best way to make more room for passengers is more trains and more coaches not banning certain categories of travelling passengers! When the Train Operating Companies start thinking "customer", not "profit" they might actually do themselves a favour.
Shoong
says...
2:24pm Mon 16 Jul 12
Georgem wrote:If they were not in profit, wouldn't they be making a loss? Who would have to bail them out?
OSPREYSAINT wrote:As long as they're answerable to shareholders, they'll always be thinking "profit" first.
The best way to make more room for passengers is more trains and more coaches not banning certain categories of travelling passengers! When the Train Operating Companies start thinking "customer", not "profit" they might actually do themselves a favour.
Georgem
says...
2:36pm Mon 16 Jul 12
Shoong wrote:We would. John C. Taxpayer.
Georgem wrote:If they were not in profit, wouldn't they be making a loss? Who would have to bail them out?
OSPREYSAINT wrote:As long as they're answerable to shareholders, they'll always be thinking "profit" first.
The best way to make more room for passengers is more trains and more coaches not banning certain categories of travelling passengers! When the Train Operating Companies start thinking "customer", not "profit" they might actually do themselves a favour.
lowe esteem
says...
4:58pm Mon 16 Jul 12
Georgem wrote:Come on, don't fall for the 'half-empty' mindset. There's money to be had, people looking to travel, look after 'em and the profit should follow.
Shoong wrote:We would. John C. Taxpayer.
Georgem wrote:If they were not in profit, wouldn't they be making a loss? Who would have to bail them out?
OSPREYSAINT wrote:As long as they're answerable to shareholders, they'll always be thinking "profit" first.
The best way to make more room for passengers is more trains and more coaches not banning certain categories of travelling passengers! When the Train Operating Companies start thinking "customer", not "profit" they might actually do themselves a favour.
Condor Man
says...
7:13pm Mon 16 Jul 12
kissmya%%
says...
7:24pm Mon 16 Jul 12
Georgem
says...
7:31pm Mon 16 Jul 12
kissmya%% wrote:£12
I hardly use the Train , But I brought A cheese ploughmans sandwhich , crisps and a coffee . have a guess how much ?
kissmya%%
says...
7:33pm Mon 16 Jul 12
Markmag
says...
7:34pm Mon 16 Jul 12
Still at least you're doing better than your Bournemouth colleagues who have only just reported the ban now, a week after it was overturned and hours after you've (finally) reported it correctly!
I remember when Echo reporting was at the vanguard, now it's stuck in the guards van!
Georgem
says...
7:35pm Mon 16 Jul 12
kissmya%% wrote:A bargain!
£7 !
kissmya%%
says...
7:40pm Mon 16 Jul 12
can of coke £90
crisps £1-10
assorted sarnies £2-25 - £395
cans of beer £2-25 a can & up
kissmya%%
says...
7:41pm Mon 16 Jul 12
OSPREYSAINT
says...
12:18am Tue 17 Jul 12
kissmya%% wrote:large whine free.
small wine £4-95
SotonGreen
says...
5:53am Tue 17 Jul 12
It is cheaper at Smiths on the platform or the coop just outside the station or just bring your own
Georgem
says...
9:16am Tue 17 Jul 12
SotonGreen wrote:£90 for coke? At that price, it should be going UP your nose.
£90 for coke huh ? Seriously what do you expect you are paying through the nose for it being wheeled to your seat.
It is cheaper at Smiths on the platform or the coop just outside the station or just bring your own
kissmya%%
says...
10:06am Tue 17 Jul 12
SotonGreen wrote:Yes I will next time , I will prepare some freshly made rolls with cheese,pickle and a selection of crisps from a sainsbury multi pack and a flask of fresh coffee to enjoy on my trip .
£90 for coke huh ? Seriously what do you expect you are paying through the nose for it being wheeled to your seat.
It is cheaper at Smiths on the platform or the coop just outside the station or just bring your own
downfader
says...
10:41am Tue 17 Jul 12
Georgem wrote:Might get the can stuck.
SotonGreen wrote:£90 for coke? At that price, it should be going UP your nose.
£90 for coke huh ? Seriously what do you expect you are paying through the nose for it being wheeled to your seat.
It is cheaper at Smiths on the platform or the coop just outside the station or just bring your own
OSPREYSAINT says...
12:42pm Mon 16 Jul 12