Travelers from London to Birmingham and Manchester struggle to find space onAvanti West Coast trains, but next You can enjoy first class travel for 4 days. Friday night. Private operators board special trains for a flat fare of £75.
The service is branded 'The Friday Charter' and is operated by the Locomotive Services Group. The coaches are old British Rail Intercity Mk 3 stock, loved by many rail enthusiasts for their comfort and panoramic windows. All seats are for 3 people.
"Farewell to packed commuter trains with luxurious legroom and comfy cushions," says the operator.
Every Friday at 5:27 pm from 19th August to 9th September, a 110 mph train will depart London Euston, Birmingham (Kokusai Street and New Street), Wolver Stops at Hampton, Stafford, Crewe, Wilmslow and Manchester Piccadilly.
Usually Friday night schedules from London Euston are ridiculously full. However, as early as September 11, Avanti West Coast will cut its usual frequency of every 20 minutes to both Manchester and Birmingham to once he is on the hour. The company accuses "the current industrial relations situation is causing severe staff shortages in some grades due to rising levels of illness." It is usually kept at Crewe Station in Cheshire. Depart Crewe on a direct flight at 2:29 PM to prepare for departure from Euston.
Wi-Fi is not available, but mains power is provided. The train includes 2 buffet cars. Unlike regular passenger trains, access for travelers with reduced mobility is restricted. Only folding wheelchairs are accepted. There is also no discount for railcard holders.
A normal first class fare from London to Manchester is £255 on Avanti West Coast. Unlike extra trains, this includes food and beverages.
One of his passengers, Martin Taylor, said of the new service:
The last time charter trains were used for regular service was in the summer of 2018, due to a timetable fiasco. The Northern Railway was unable to run trains between Windermere and Oxenholme, so the West Coast Railway operated steam trains to the Lake District National Park.
