bike on the train? that'll be £110, Madam



A

audrey

Guest
Ms Angry of Manchester writes:


Dear Virgin Customer Relations,

Why is it so difficult to book cycle reservations on your services?
It is impossible to make a cycle reservation if booking on-line, and
as I have discovered today it is very difficult even by phone.

This afternoon I rang your booking line to buy tickets to travel from
Manchester to London, and was told the return journey I wanted would
cost £76.50. I asked to make a cycle reservation, and was told if I
wanted to book my bike then my ticket would £187.00. The person I
spoke to could not explain why this was so, and suggested that I call
customer services.

I therefore called your customer services section, who were able to
make cycle reservations for me but were not able to explain why your
booking line wanted to charge me an extra £110 for this.

I then rang back to the booking line to buy my ticket but there is now
a problem with the computer booking system and I am advised to call
back later. After 3 phone calls I now have cycle reservations but no
ticket.

Could you please explain why trying to take a bike by Virgin train is
such a difficult and frustrating business, and what plans (if any) you
have to improve things? If I can make a cycle reservation at the time
of purchase when I buy my tickets in person at the station, why is it
not possible to do so when buying tickets by phone or on-line?
 
audrey wrote:
> Ms Angry of Manchester writes:
>
>
> Dear Virgin Customer Relations,
>
> Why is it so difficult to book cycle reservations on your services?
> It is impossible to make a cycle reservation if booking on-line, and
> as I have discovered today it is very difficult even by phone.
>
> This afternoon I rang your booking line to buy tickets to travel from
> Manchester to London, and was told the return journey I wanted would
> cost £76.50. I asked to make a cycle reservation, and was told if I
> wanted to book my bike then my ticket would £187.00. The person I
> spoke to could not explain why this was so, and suggested that I call
> customer services.
>
> I therefore called your customer services section, who were able to
> make cycle reservations for me but were not able to explain why your
> booking line wanted to charge me an extra £110 for this.
>
> I then rang back to the booking line to buy my ticket but there is now
> a problem with the computer booking system and I am advised to call
> back later. After 3 phone calls I now have cycle reservations but no
> ticket.
>
> Could you please explain why trying to take a bike by Virgin train is
> such a difficult and frustrating business, and what plans (if any) you
> have to improve things? If I can make a cycle reservation at the time
> of purchase when I buy my tickets in person at the station, why is it
> not possible to do so when buying tickets by phone or on-line?

When I travel to London from Nottingham (shuuuuush) on the train I just
take my bike to the back of the train and put it in the compartment
next to the engine. I experienced similiar problems to those stated so
I just buy a 'saver' ticket now and on the day just put it on the
train.

I am always ready to explain if challenged the same sort of story
stated because its true. I have found discretion is recieved if one
remains courteous and respectful. I have never been questioned by a
guard or asked for a ticket for the bike at Nottingham or London.
Whistling as you make your way to the door is optional.
Sean.
 
On 1 Sep 2005 08:14:39 -0700, "sean" <[email protected]> wrote:


>
>When I travel to London from Nottingham (shuuuuush) on the train I just
>take my bike to the back of the train and put it in the compartment
>next to the engine. I experienced similiar problems to those stated so
>I just buy a 'saver' ticket now and on the day just put it on the
>train.
>
Not sure what kind of trains you have on that route, but my problem is
we are stuck with Mr Branson's Pendolinos with very limited bike
space, and you can't get into it unless someone lets you in. Most
times they don't ask about reservations but it would be just my luck
to turn up on the day someone did check, or when all 4 spaces were
already taken. So I always book.

Ahh the joy of travelling by GNER with guards' vans and nice big
spaces for bikes ...
 
sean wrote:
> audrey wrote:
>> Ms Angry of Manchester writes:
>>
>>
>> Dear Virgin Customer Relations,
>>
>> Why is it so difficult to book cycle reservations on your services?
>> It is impossible to make a cycle reservation if booking on-line, and
>> as I have discovered today it is very difficult even by phone.
>>
>> This afternoon I rang your booking line to buy tickets to travel from
>> Manchester to London, and was told the return journey I wanted would
>> cost £76.50. I asked to make a cycle reservation, and was told if I
>> wanted to book my bike then my ticket would £187.00. The person I
>> spoke to could not explain why this was so, and suggested that I call
>> customer services.
>>
>> I therefore called your customer services section, who were able to
>> make cycle reservations for me but were not able to explain why your
>> booking line wanted to charge me an extra £110 for this.
>>
>> I then rang back to the booking line to buy my ticket but there is
>> now a problem with the computer booking system and I am advised to
>> call back later. After 3 phone calls I now have cycle reservations
>> but no ticket.
>>
>> Could you please explain why trying to take a bike by Virgin train is
>> such a difficult and frustrating business, and what plans (if any)
>> you have to improve things? If I can make a cycle reservation at
>> the time of purchase when I buy my tickets in person at the station,
>> why is it not possible to do so when buying tickets by phone or
>> on-line?
>
> When I travel to London from Nottingham (shuuuuush) on the train I
> just take my bike to the back of the train and put it in the
> compartment next to the engine. I experienced similiar problems to
> those stated so I just buy a 'saver' ticket now and on the day just
> put it on the train.
>
> I am always ready to explain if challenged the same sort of story
> stated because its true. I have found discretion is recieved if one
> remains courteous and respectful. I have never been questioned by a
> guard or asked for a ticket for the bike at Nottingham or London.
> Whistling as you make your way to the door is optional.
> Sean.

It's not possible to do that on Virgin West Coast because the platform staff
need to unlock the door to let you in. I do it on Virgin Cross Country all
the time, as only their backup (used if there's too many others that are
broken down) train needs a guard to open it. Sod's law dictated that last
Friday this was doing the journey I did.

However, the OPs story is clearly an error by the phone staff. When I feel
the need to book a bike on, I just present the ticket at the ticket window
20 minutes before the train leaves and ask for a bike booking for it, and
it's always obliged and nearly always free.

I'd suggest waiting until the tickets came, then going to a friendly local
station to get the bike bookings if you can, or just getting the tickets
from there.

A


--
Ambrose
 

> I'd suggest waiting until the tickets came, then going to a friendly local
> station to get the bike bookings if you can, or just getting the tickets
> from there.

My latest experience persuaded me that the way to do things is to go to
the local station. I was wanting a return to Stonehaven coming back the
next day and the TO lady booked me one from Leuchars rather than
Dundee. Yes, one more station but cheaper because it is just over the
line for a monthly return which is cheaper than two singles..

So top marks to the stations office staff who have always done their
best to help.

...d
 
"Ambrose Nankivell" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> However, the OPs story is clearly an error by the phone staff. When I feel
> the need to book a bike on, I just present the ticket at the ticket window
> 20 minutes before the train leaves and ask for a bike booking for it, and
> it's always obliged and nearly always free.

A bike is free on Virgin - all you have to do is prebook which you can
either do online or in person at the ticket office.

--
Simon Mason
http://www.simonmason.karoo.net
 
On 1 Sep 2005 08:36:19 -0700, "David Martin"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>
>
>> I'd suggest waiting until the tickets came, then going to a friendly local
>> station to get the bike bookings if you can, or just getting the tickets
>> from there.
>
>My latest experience persuaded me that the way to do things is to go to
>the local station.

I usually do go the station because it's such a mither to book the
bike on any other way. But just occassionally, I try doing it by
phone, just to see if they've got any betterer. [insert hollow laff]
 
On Thu, 1 Sep 2005 16:54:24 +0100, "Simon Mason"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>
>"Ambrose Nankivell" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>
>> However, the OPs story is clearly an error by the phone staff. When I feel
>> the need to book a bike on, I just present the ticket at the ticket window
>> 20 minutes before the train leaves and ask for a bike booking for it, and
>> it's always obliged and nearly always free.
>
>A bike is free on Virgin - all you have to do is prebook which you can
>either do online or in person at the ticket office.

You can't do it on-line.
 
"Simon Mason" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Ambrose Nankivell" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>
>> However, the OPs story is clearly an error by the phone staff. When I
>> feel the need to book a bike on, I just present the ticket at the ticket
>> window 20 minutes before the train leaves and ask for a bike booking for
>> it, and it's always obliged and nearly always free.
>
> A bike is free on Virgin - all you have to do is prebook which you can
> either do online or in person at the ticket office.

I try to avoid using the services of any company using the logo of the
jumper-clad-rich-bloke. IME far too many of the staff that work for him seem
to think that just becasue they work for him that this somehow means they
are a superior species, imbued with his supposed personal charisma. When
they are not...

Cheers, helen s
 
perhaps you'd like to nominate them for the cycle rail awards.

http://www.cyclerailawards.com/

maybe even sending an email of your letter to all of the judges. It's
fairly easy to find their email adresses using google.
 
sean <[email protected]> wrote:

> When I travel to London from Nottingham (shuuuuush) on the train I just
> take my bike to the back of the train and put it in the compartment
> next to the engine. I

Which is something you wont be able to do for much longer as the HSTs
are phased out in favour of the 9 car Meridian (sp?) trains.
Alan.
--
To reply by e-mail, change the ' + ' to 'plus'.
http://www.dvatc.co.uk - Off-road cycling in the North Midlands.
 
wafflycat wrote:
>
>
> I try to avoid using the services of any company using the logo of the
> jumper-clad-rich-bloke. IME far too many of the staff that work for him
> seem to think that just becasue they work for him that this somehow
> means they are a superior species, imbued with his supposed personal
> charisma. When they are not...
>
> Cheers, helen s
>

I used to work with someone who had previously worked on said
jumper-clad persons central management team. Concensus was the
jumper-clad one was an ****.
 
"audrey" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Thu, 1 Sep 2005 16:54:24 +0100, "Simon Mason"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>
>>"Ambrose Nankivell" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>
>>> However, the OPs story is clearly an error by the phone staff. When I
>>> feel
>>> the need to book a bike on, I just present the ticket at the ticket
>>> window
>>> 20 minutes before the train leaves and ask for a bike booking for it,
>>> and
>>> it's always obliged and nearly always free.
>>
>>A bike is free on Virgin - all you have to do is prebook which you can
>>either do online or in person at the ticket office.
>
> You can't do it on-line.

You used to be able to - maybe they've withdrawn that option now. Here's
their policy though:

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/companies/?atocCode=VT
 
On Thu, 1 Sep 2005 17:00:34 +0100, "wafflycat"
<waffles*$*A**T*v21net$*££*D*O*T*co*D£$£*O*T*uk> wrote:

>I try to avoid using the services of any company using the logo of the
>jumper-clad-rich-bloke. IME far too many of the staff that work for him seem
>to think that just becasue they work for him that this somehow means they
>are a superior species, imbued with his supposed personal charisma. When
>they are not...

On Tuesday I compared the price of Virgin Atlantic's e-ticket to
Shanghai with BA's; they were Identical. I decided to fly Virgin to
build up my air miles. When I returned to the website to buy the
ticket the price had dropped by £148.

Christmas in Sanya. I can't wait.
 
A.Lee wrote:
> sean <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> When I travel to London from Nottingham (shuuuuush) on the train I
>> just take my bike to the back of the train and put it in the
>> compartment next to the engine. I
>
> Which is something you wont be able to do for much longer as the HSTs
> are phased out in favour of the 9 car Meridian (sp?) trains.
> Alan.

And you'll just have to put them in the space at the end, assuming that bit
of the layout's the same as the Voyagers

--
Ambrose
 
in message <[email protected]>, Chris
('[email protected]') wrote:

> wafflycat wrote:
>>
>> I try to avoid using the services of any company using the logo of the
>> jumper-clad-rich-bloke. IME far too many of the staff that work for
>> him seem to think that just becasue they work for him that this
>> somehow means they are a superior species, imbued with his supposed
>> personal charisma. When they are not...
>
> I used to work with someone who had previously worked on said
> jumper-clad persons central management team. Concensus was the
> jumper-clad one was an ****.

My present accountant was said jumper-clad person's accountant during
said jumper-clad person's most hair-raisingly creative - from the
accounting point of view - days. My accountant, surprisingly, still has
hair, but (less surprisingly) is very skilled at juggling.

--
[email protected] (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/
Copyright (c) Simon Brooke; All rights reserved. Permission is
granted to transfer this message via UUCP or NNTP and to store it
for the purpose of archiving or further transfer. Permission is
explicitly denied to use this message as part of a 'Web Forum', or
to transfer it by HTTP.
 
Rob wrote:
> perhaps you'd like to nominate them for the cycle rail awards.
>
> http://www.cyclerailawards.com/
>
> maybe even sending an email of your letter to all of the judges. It's
> fairly easy to find their email adresses using google.
>
Silly question but why is it £110!!! to take a bike on the train. Do
they charge that for suitcases aswell? What about my Zimmer Frame?


Sniper8052
 
"Chris" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> wafflycat wrote:
>>
>>
>> I try to avoid using the services of any company using the logo of the
>> jumper-clad-rich-bloke. IME far too many of the staff that work for him
>> seem to think that just becasue they work for him that this somehow means
>> they are a superior species, imbued with his supposed personal charisma.
>> When they are not...
>>
>> Cheers, helen s
>>
>
> I used to work with someone who had previously worked on said jumper-clad
> persons central management team. Concensus was the jumper-clad one was an
> ****.

Most people would add the word "hole" for the avoidance of doubt

RG
 

>>
>Not sure what kind of trains you have on that route, but my problem is
>we are stuck with Mr Branson's Pendolinos with very limited bike
>space, and you can't get into it unless someone lets you in. Most
>times they don't ask about reservations but it would be just my luck
>to turn up on the day someone did check, or when all 4 spaces were
>already taken. So I always book.

I was abused by a guard for needing to get my bike out of a virgin
train once.. Told I should have booked.. I had..

Still told I should have booked...

Not a company I use anymore.. For anything.....

Richard Webb
 
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