The Anonymous Widower

Customer Service – First Great Western Style

Yesterday, as I said in this post, I missed my 09:07 train to Exeter, due to problems on the Metropolitan line.

I knew that to get to Exeter, I would have to get another ticket for the next train, which was the 10:07. One of their staff said to go to the ticket office and see what they would do.

I did and went to the First Class window, where after explaining the problem, they checked thoroughly and then endorsed my out of time ticket for travel on the 10:07.  I should say, that I expected to have to buy another ticket and was at my politest. As there wasn’t a queue full of angry passengers, just a couple of anxious ones, this might have helped.

But it does go counter to the sort of Jobsworth behaviour reported on programmes such as Watchdog.

Coming back, there was a Travelling Chef on the train. And I ordered this smoked salmon salad.

A Salad From The Travelling Chef

Note the French dressing in a little bottle, with all the ingredients and allergy information on the outside. That is a good idea, that should be copied more often.

I also had two complimentary glasses of wine.

And how much did the salad cost? – Just nine pounds! As it was served at my seat, I think that was good value.

I asked if you could buy the meals in Standard Class. Apparently, you can and you get it in a plastic box with plastic cutlery.

So it would appear that the discrimination is in the service!

November 28, 2013 - Posted by AnonW | Food, Transport/Travel | Coeliac/Gluten-Free, Customer Service, First Great Western Trains, Trains