Winter CME Trips 2018

You seem to have inadvertently identified the crux of the perpetuating debate. Why do you take it upon yourself to "defend the likes of RTC and WCR"? In choosing to answer any criticisms do you not therefore create the discussion then said to become interminable. The point being those bodies are well able to respond if they wish - unless you are an official rep - so why not leave it to them instead of chastising those voicing the concerns?

 

Unintentional as it may be, your crude response nevertheless illustrates one of the reasons businesses are not held to account for unsatisfactory service. As you observe, many people are uncomfortable raising complaints. The fact that they do not, masks the deficiencies. Tickets sold for an itinerary that cannot be supplied in a significant way may not yield complaints but very likely loses repeat custom for reasons that go unrecorded.
If most of the folk that would prefer this not to be discussed were a little more open minded, they would see that if the minor improvements in diligence suggested materialised it could have a disproportionate benefit to sustained ticket sales. And as a few people point out, the movers and shakers mostly read NP, if not participate, so maybe they gradually absorb the suggestions. It certainly seems Saphos has set out with greater clarity to the fore but recognition of the right thing to do may just be a coincidence of course ......

 

http://www.railwaytouring.net/uk-day-trips/the-winter-cumbrian-mountain-express-1

I note there is a comments section within the product description. Would dissatisfaction be more effective in terms of visibility to the provider, if expressed there?

 

You already have "no need", irrespective of what anybody else posts, because whether/how you respond is entirely a matter of choice. Perhaps putting the "sherriffs badge" down would save you a lot of bother trying to ride the pesky posters out of town ......
You were not the crude one Ralph, Spamalot was so you can rest easy on that score

 

Love your use of the word "defend." So you are little more than an apologist for bad customer service defending the indefensible.

Back on thread. With a lighter load I really hope the Jub is given the chance to show her class next weekend.

 

Well, 35018 was in steam this week, ya never know...

 

It doesn't look as if the "comments" are being monitored by anyone.

One chap merely asked, "Is a loco confirmed yet?" and hasn't even had an acknowledgement after nine days!

 

Interesting observation.
Even though 46115 has been replaced in the advert it still says steam to Manchester on the return. Even the most ardent 'supporter' must concede the disregard for accuracy is entirely needless and avoidable? Its pretty obvious anyone that books and receives tickets will just be left to assume the amendment was enforced after their booking was made.

 

Joking aside, we know there are persons of influence that do "monitor NP" so it seems they either choose not to point out the errors and omissions or are ignored by the promoter if they do. Either way it does not speak of high regard for customers actual or potential. And by the way what modern business wouldnt review social media for marketing insight?
There seems to be a complacency, perhaps due to market dominance, which causes RTC to be inattentive to details because they assume sufficient custom will flow regardless.
In this example I do not believe that when RTC put its original proposal to the TOC that they were advised any differently than the way it is now scheduled. I am prepared to accept the ads suffer cut and paste syndrome but in my view there is simply no excuse for manifestly misleading information being published. One simple diligence check would be to run the proposed ad past the TOC as part of the contract review process?
There are several sources of wise counsel should any of the partys choose to avail themselves, often at no cost. The other point to note is in my book criticism is not always the same as hostility or dislike. I am regularly critical of the football club I follow but it is in my heart and soul too.

 

Just received an email off RTC offering a £20 discount on this train

 

If its not full hopefully we can move away from the cold, cramped -next to the door- seats then!

 

and you pay good money for this?

 

Vintage doesn't come cheap Mr Toni

 

Just as well people do or you'd have precious little steam to photograph on the main line.

 

Thank you Ralph, a bit of mutual Respect often works Sir.

 

Just found this in my inbox if anyone's interested:

We are emailing to offer you a special discount of £20 off per person on our Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express tour this Saturday 27th January. To claim your discount please quote code JIW when placing your booking.