The WHR, success or flop ?

I dont agree with that - if the WSR had only one shop, a two train service that at busy times was standing only, less than half the passenger numbers, a much longer journey time, no experience of running the full line, a new extension used by only some trains and a large backlog of basic infrastructure to build they may be more comparable. There's no doubt the WHR is at the more expensive end of the scale, but having seen a few comparisons between lines it certainly isnt as extreme as this one example suggests.

On a more selfish note, if fares were cheaper its quite likely i couldnt have travelled when i was there - as it was, i had to be squeezed into the open coach and the heritage lock-up!

Chris

 

And WHR society members go free.

Plus you don't _have_ to travel all the way.

No-one can run a railway on the basis that anyone no matter how financially embarassed can afford the fare.

Anyway, I think the question has been answered - it _is_ a major success. Considering the number of people who turned out in plain awful weather for the Superpower event, its clear it appeals to a large number of enthusiasts as well as ordinary tourists and the bleating only proves you can never please everyone.

That's not to say I don't have a list of things I personally would like to see, but I hope I can understand a) what a dramatic thing it is to have this railway when 15 years ago there was every chance it would all be a cycle path or simply lost as a through route and b) that what _I_ want may not be what all the other people involved as contributors, volunteers, staff or passengers want.

 

And if I have correctly interpreted their websites the Talyllyn's fare for a 14 mile return trip is £13 and the Welshpool and Llanfair charge £11.90 for an 16 mile return trip (approximately 92p per mile and 74p per mile respectively compared with 66p per mile for a full 50 mile return on the WHR or 79p per mile for the FR or a "half trip" on the WHR).

In neither case do accompanied first children travel free (although the child fares are signifcantly less than the traditional half fare).

Both the Tal and W&L are estimable railways. I do not criticise their fare structures.

 

66p per mile that should work out as about £452.76 for a return London to Glasgow, no kidding LOL.

 

As of two minutes ago, according to National Rail's journey planner, an anytime return available on the 10:30 Euston to Glasgow Central tomorrow morning and returning on the 10:00 up the following morning would come to £306, but Virgin don't , so far as I know, do free kids' tickets........

And yes, cheaper discount fares are available if you travel on designated services.

 

Fair point, interesting comparisons.

 

£452 to £306 still a hell of a difference in either case nothing to be proud of, the WHR still works out as half as expensive again !!