Reopening: open carriages and solo travellers

Lakeside and Haverthwaite seem to have it well in hand.

 

SVR will be running an open carriage as from next month. Tickets for solo travellers now available to book for £20

 

I had an enjoyable trip yesterday in an open coach on the GWSR. So many thanks to the GWSR for making this option available. Last weekend, I travelled on the Avon Valley, that time in a compartment but at solo fare (The AVR is currently operating a limited diesel-hauled service at weekends).

On both the AVR & GWSR, my impression was that the majority of passengers were family groups of a couple plus small children, who were naturally assigned a compartment each so that most compartments were occupied. There seemed to be fewer of the older people who normally make up a significant portion of the passenger list.

That seems to support the view that heritage railways should mainly focus their initial re-openings on the younger family market, but older customers will hopefully feel able to return if the virus rate can be kept down to low levels. I notice that the Mid-Hants has quickly pre-sold most of the tickets for its coming gala - presumably mostly to enthusiasts, many of whom will be from the pensioner generation.

 

NYMR are operating a mix of compartment and open stock. Pre-booked solo tickets for seats in the open stock for the Pickering-Whitby service are £35 and duos at £70. Compartments seating up to 6 persons cost £150. Good value with most trains sold out.

 

Ps social distancing maintained in the open stock by sitting the families of 4 at tables opposite the tables occupied by the duo / solo travellers (with solo travellers sat by themself)

 

fortunate to happen on this thread as I have just been checking fares on a couple of the Great little Trains. Eye watering and I would say out of the reach of most solo seniors. I realise NG has its space limitations. One can only hope that these restrictions ease as the summer progresses!

 

Have you had a look at the WLLR?

https://wllr.org.uk/news-story/

I think their fares for solo travellers are pretty good.

https://wllr.org.uk/timetables/ - click on a date and it will take you through to the various trains available and the costs. They do tickets for solo travellers (1 hour trip is £12). It looks like the 2 trips or the breakfast trips are for pairs upwards.

 

Watercress Line fares offer solo options on all services

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Thank you. so i take it that a 1 hour journey is a single fare and double that for the return both to be pre-booked? I loved the WLLR on my first visit there four years ago and would certainly put it on the list. I was particularly referring to the WHR and FR who quite clearly state that solo travellers have to pay the going rate for a table for two or a compartment. I'm coming over from Canada(I hope!!) in September so maybe the restrictions will have eased somewhat.I can imagine the Football Clubs will be piling on the pressure at that stage!

 

It is very pleasing to see that the Great Central is still priced at a "per person" for it's trains this year. I have felt very lucky to have had a compartment to myself and passengers are well spaced on the platforms.

 

Hi,

I think it must be a return trip because you can only board at Llanfair so it would be a bit strange to take you to Welshpool and dump you there. My guess is that it is a shorter 30 minutes each way trip. Maybe drop them an email. I note that the WLLR only has a timetable outlined until June so my guess is they are taking a watching brief and will adjust as the rules change.

I note that TR is also £44 for a compartment whether it is 1 person or 3.

Bala Lake will take single bookings but there is a minimum price supplement so you end up paying £20 (two people is £24).

I think keep a watching brief on what is happening. I think that what the rules are now and what the rules will be in Sept will be different.