It makes a nice chage to be able to say that my last 2 journies with GNER have been totally event free.
Trains have left and arrived on time.
Nobody has sat in my reserved seat last night or this morning.
The Trolly Dolly was seen and heard making her way through each carraige.
I didn't loose anything.
No passengers threatened or tried to intimidate me.
Of course I have found one nugget of information worthy of a mention here. It could be wrong but I'll post it anyway just in case it turns out to be true.
Not long after GNER's franchise was renewed last summer, they made a promise not to increase their prices over an above inflation. They did this because people like me read reports from a number of analysts who beleived GNER had paid over the odds for the franchise.
GNER were kinda true to their word in that Ticket prices have not increased disproportionately. However, not long after the franchise renewal they put at least 10p on everything sold from the buffet or trolly. This took the [price of a coffee or tea from £1.00 to £1.10. Now 10p is not a massive amount I agree. But when you consider this equates to a 10% increase and inflations is running at what, 3%, I was convinced GNER were clawing back the money they've over spent retaining the franchise. And who's paying for it? Yep. Passengers.
I've now heard that GNER intend to increase the price of a tea and coffee to £1.50 or a whopping 36%. Apparently it's becuase they now intend to serve us free trade coffee and tea and the extra money is to cover the additional costs or the raw product.
Sorry Mr GNER spokesman, I don't beleive you. The difference in price of fair trade tea and coffee in the shops is significantly lower than 36% and you trying to tell me GNER aren't on the make here. As far as I'm concerned it's just another attempt to increase revenues by stealth.
Finally I'm not the only person blogging about GNER. Check this fella site out if you have an active interest in the company and services etc - http://www.gnersucks.co.uk/
Tatty bye. I'm off to save up for a cup of tea on the journey home.