Quiet January

Whilst not wishing that RTC either walk away or fail (reference my potential solution) a little perspective is needed. If they did, there would be a vacuum. That would be filled by other operators if the business model was good enough - and it seems that it is or the rich tapestry of tours would not be offered. RTC have already picked up on some of the Past Times routes, i.e. tin bath. A market is a market.

Graveyards are full of indispensible people yet the world goes on.

 

Nigel

I would not say you are failing miserably. A couple of tours seem to have gone badly wrong for various reasons and there a clearly some disgruntled passengers.Steam Dreams seem to deal with the public relations side when things go badly wrong better during and after a trip.

Passengers which members of this forum would class as "normal ", are less tolerant than enthusiasts, and a bad experience may stop them travelling again.They may not complain, just decide not to book.

I have been on 20 trips with RTC over the past five years( 5 this year), and none have gone badly wrong.

You have a good variety of trips and use a good variety of Loco's ( Steam Dreams rarely use GWR Loco's on the routes where they fit).Whenever there have been cancellations - prompt refund or transfer to another trip.

When will more of the day trips for 2011 be on your website?

I may be on one of your European trips for the first time next year.

Good luck for 2011.

Paul

 

As a matter of discretion I have sent a pm to Mr D.

I trust that a serious response will ensue

 

Not exactly a "Quiet January"..............................

 

Aside from customer relations a number of grumbles seem related to operational matters and rolling stock. These are matters WCRC need to be dealing with and while RTC hold the bargaining position as user, they can only pass on the complaints to the rolling stock owner. As an observer, as far as the York run is concerned those who stuck with the tour did receive a day out with steam however short the stop over at York was. If the tour had been pulled at the last minute and refunds were offered RTC will still have to of paid loco hire, stock hire, access charges etc, plus all the refunds a huge hit, so yes it is better financially for them to run. What perhaps was lacking from what I have read was a proper line of communication to explain the situation to passengers so they could decide whether to stick or switch to another tour before the tour left. I think the level of criticism aimed at RTC is OTT & uncalled for, the amount of tours they are promoting next year is nothing short of incredible and needs to be applauded, but companies can always benefit from learning and if people on here believe Steam Dreams handle these situations better then the industry would benefit overall if RTC took on some of their ideas. I will be booking with RTC again as they offer a quality product at a better price than most with greater variety. Such imagination should be rewarded and encouraged, not shot down in flames by a vocal few which I believe is the case here.