First class has been downgraded on almost every operator. I travel the length and breadth of the UK in first class and the decline in service over the last decade has been astonishing. No complimentary newspaper, no proper cup on many operators trains, uncomfortable seats, microwaved food, bland snacks, limited alcohol, frequently inhabited by people who clearly have not got a first class ticket yet you rarely see them removed, etc etc. This list is not a comprehensive one either. Yet every year the prices increase at a rate that does not reflect the service. If I was paying for my own ticket there is no way I would travel first class.

@LiftFan

Жыл бұрын

GWR is the biggest downgrade IMO. Gone from plush leather seats, a newspaper, hot food etc to being lucky to have a cup of tea and a biscuit, let alone you dare ask if they have any sandwiches.

@tonywilkins6090

Жыл бұрын

First class on all operators have been downgraded since covid. I suspect the fact that the government/DfT are fully managing the entire rail network, has a part to play in this. And obviously the government/DfT are known for making the decision to cut costs by any way possible, and its one of the main reasons for the recent strikes in the past few months. It used to be the TOC's had full control of their daily operations such as staffing, 1st class offering, revenue/costs etc. Now its the government deciding and the TOC basically has to do what they are told otherwise they lose their management fee for running the franchise etc. Avanti+LNER from personally experience has still got the best 1st class offering (despite being downgraded), and personally have the best value for money. EMR is probably one fo the worst 1st class offering considering the prices being charged.

@zaksharman

Жыл бұрын

You can blame the Tories for all of that

@JoJo-yt1ys

Жыл бұрын

Yet the services make record profits. Mayne the Tories should renationalise the rail and improve it

@BibtheBoulder

Жыл бұрын

@@JoJo-yt1ys The parent companies make record profits at the expense of the tax payer.

I regularly travel from Doncaster to London and Hull trains are generally my preference for standard class as I find the blue interior a bit more appealing and less full on than LNER's bright red. For first class though there's simply no competition, LNER offer the best first class on the rails as far as I can tell.

What a lovely day- thank you for bringing us along!

I did first class on Hull Trains about 10 years ago and on boarding, the tables had proper cups, sugar and teaspoons already laid out on the table, on top of a white paper cloth coving the table. The waitress came along about every 20 minutes to fill the cup up. I went on a weekend so there was no food available at the time.

@loco4loco

Жыл бұрын

Your lucky to Lived

@robertp.wainman4094

Жыл бұрын

In it's early days Hull Trains was a really good service.....we even had 'pet' initials for it - the OLT (Our Little Train!) Not any more - like nearly every train in the UK it's much worse than it used to be!

@c3gfboy7

Жыл бұрын

10 years ago…2013 ish which would mean at the time they had the adelantes??

@loco4loco

Жыл бұрын

@@c3gfboy7 10?????? Holy shit that the year I left hull for Exeter

@c3gfboy7

Жыл бұрын

@@loco4loco I would have been 13 at the time not gonna lie and hell all 14 adelantes are still running the 4 which was with hulltrains which replaced the pioneers went to the same TOC with the pioneers. EMR. which is ironic now cause the pioneers and the adelantes will be going due to the auroras

Four years ago I was heading from Hull to London for my first day at a prestigious visual effects software company. I was understandably nervous and on hearing the Hull trains I was booked on had failed in the platform I almost had a meltdown. I was told I could catch a train to Sheffield and connect with a London bound train there. Sheffield. It might as well have been Timbuktu for the good it would do me. I was expected at 10am. It was then that the word came from LNER along the platform, to us all on our knees wailing, ok that was just me, but anyway, came along and said LNER would honour the tickets and convey us to the capital. Thank you LNER. I was still late, but I wasn't prodigiously late. It was an Azuma, my first. I prefer the HST, but I'll probably book LNER next time. Thanks for the vid and the memory of my near meltdown.

Perhaps LNER should run more direct services between Hull and King's Cross not just 1 early morning train. Perhaps it could give Hull Trains some competition.

@bobsteryt

Жыл бұрын

I don't think they would be allowed to, as there are quite strict rules about TOCs stealing revenue from others.

@jusalii

Жыл бұрын

I don't think they would be allowed to, as there are quite strict rules about TOCs stealing revenue from others.

@drukoo3089

Жыл бұрын

@@jusalii bro just copy and pasted 💀💀💀

@jusalii

Жыл бұрын

@@drukoo3089 Ik

@stevieinselby

Жыл бұрын

Ironic that HT only exists because BR only ran one train a day to Hull and so that's all GNER ran in the early days of privatisation - staggering when you think that the metropolitan area of Hull has a population of well over 550,000. No disrespect to HT, but it would be better for them to be disbanded and taken over by LNER, which would improve the flexibility on ticketing considerably.

Yes - when you pay good money for first class you do expect proper coffee, cutlery, and freshly prepared food on a plate! A simple thing like a cheap wooden stirrer clearly tells you that the company does not care about you.

When paying for First Class, one expects something more than just a comfy seat. More effort with the catering might make the ticket worth its price.

@GovernmentOfLocany

Жыл бұрын

don't let them sink down to the level of Dutch Railways --- first class is more than the exact same interior with a bigger seat! tragic development.

I regularly use HT but only in Standard and for short journeys, so the lack of catering doesn't bother me there, but for anyone making a longer journey it's really disappointing that it has been dropped. I guess the café just wasn't taking enough money to cover its costs, but it's poor for a supposedly intercity service where plenty of people will be travelling for about 2½ hours. A couple of ago when I did travel down to London in First Class, I remember getting a cup of tea, and the steward poured the water into the cup and then left me to put the tea bag in (which, for anyone who doesn't drink tea needs to know, makes for a really minging cup of tea). The next time round, I tried to ask her to put the tea bag in first but she rudely said that she was busy and didn't have time to do it any other way ... but it wouldn't have taken more than second any longer! Which surprised me, because I had previously always been impressed by the helpfulness of the staff, but it's funny how vividly that one bad time has stayed with me.

@Cazkumali

Жыл бұрын

Some people are just miserable unfortunately

@Mr_Spliffy

Жыл бұрын

Get vending machines on trains

What you have to remember is that even though you said 'It isn't up to LNER Standard', Hull Trains First Class is generally a fair bit cheaper than LNER.

the 800 series like many other units has the multipurpose hand washer/dryer. Some go from left to right and some from right to left. unfortunately no one thought to put any braille on the front just some signage which is not always tactile. So it's a bit of an adventure trying to use them. why can't these things be standardised. which way would you logically work from. me it's left to right as that's how i read.

Everything you described is due to HT having no competitors for the run down to London. Add 2 or 3 more LNER trains and you'll immediately see the standard going up.

Tatty service is a trade mark of First. It gets away with it in the West Country where GWR has no real competition but on the East Coast route LNER really shows it up.

Totally agree with you on the food service,very disappointing.I do miss the demise of the buffet car.

Danke für das interessante Video. Gruß aus Augsburg.

A nice machine.That train station is beautiful. Good views. Thanks for the trip.

I was once at Hull train station when I had a day up there! I agree with your thoughts of the layout of the station, and yes I did go straight from the train onto a bus, so no problems there!

I mean, if you get the LNER Azuma for the same price you get guaranteed booze and in most cases a hot meal too. In standard, you’ll get the buffet car! It really is a no-brainer (and guess which one is government owned!)

Another very enjoyable video, Dylan - great work. As regards catering (or the lack of it), pity us inhabitants of Exeter as we spend over three and a half hours with South Western Railways on the Waterloo line with nothing (and that includes first class!).

@Cornodebassetto

Жыл бұрын

At least they don’t charge the earth like GWR

@alanbrown3015

Жыл бұрын

Though you have the option of GWR to Paddington too. It's faster than SWR and has catering, whatever the standard is.

You should try Snälltåget Stockholm-hamburg over night if you wanna have a hard time ^^

Great trip report Dylan

Excellent videos ! 👍

Thanks for the review, I'm doing London to Beverley in first class next week with Hull Trains so this was good to see.

Hmmm. Can't say I was overly impressed by the standard of decor in 1st class either - looked pretty utilitarian. Still, your video gave the impression that the train was very quiet and smooth riding - or was the latter down to good stabilisation software on your camera?? Still you can't really complain - £37 / £57 without railcards is a bargain these days, and it actually ran ON TIME!!

@manomaylr

Жыл бұрын

That “utilitarian” decor is 1st class on most new trains (especially the Class 800 series)

Same WiFi service and don't even get a sandwich on GWR first class. Another train service operated by First. LNER & Avanti have best food for first class

I remember well the train I caught in York, going to London's King Cross. I believe I'll be taking the same train up to Edinburgh when I'm back this July; can't wait!

Update :)!! I travel with hull trains often and they now offer a standard class trolly service and spoons in first class !

Also want to say, This was before Hull Paragon Interchange was Receiving Ticket Barriers, if you go now you'll see a change to the station, also the livery is Hull Trains 21st Anniversary fyi 🙂

Excellent and as always, a very informative video Dylan, pity about the food though. Train food once upon a time, was always good !

Keep up the good work 👏

Id like to travel in this just because i love the livery, its stunning compared to its counterparts. I went on the Luno in 2021 to Edinburgh, wasnt too bad at all to be fair, but again as a train lover, i was just happy to be on the brand new train with a nice looking livery👍🏽

i noticed that too. Prices never went down but 1st class suffered with the whole point of a 1st class ticket

Hi Dylan, another great video. Have you covered Grand Central First Class to Sunderland or Bradford? I hope to travel with HT one day I love the interior and colour scheme but catering leaves a lot to be desired. A hot panini wouldn't go amiss.

You''re right, Dylan, that food service is very poor for a first class ticket.

I travelled this route between Doncaster and London Kings Cross regularly every time I always travel on Hull Trains I find the Staff are very welcoming and friendly. I always do standard class as I find it better for me having both plug and USB. As for seats I always take note of the seat numbers for good window view

I use operators from Hull a lot and it depends really. Standard is a good shout for speed on Hull Trains otherwise your looking at about 3 changes with Northern and LNER

NICE TO SEE

Nice video Dylan. I use Hull trains when I go to London as I can get on at Selby and go straight through. But I do think LNER are much better.

never watched one of your videos when it said no views. I must have clicked on it just right. I do like your content.

I've only ever been on a Hull Trains once, and that was due to the adverse weather conditions the morning following the beast from the east back in march 2018, meaning trains weren't where they should have been, so Hull Trains loaned Virgin trains a high speed train for the east coast mainline service down to London, the only problem was the layout of the hull trains were opposite to virgin, so you ended up being stood on the wrong part of the platform when it arrived. I had to change at Peterborough for the Norwich service from Liverpool Lime Street, which again, due to trains being in other places, east Midlands trains, instead of using the usual class 158s, were using a class 156 (which strangely didn't have a toilet on, meaning we had to have a toilet stop at Ely) While they work hard to keep the mainline tracks open during adverse weather, sometimes, rolling stock is in the wrong place due to this, but at least they were still able to run a few mainline services.

I enjoyed the Dylan! By the way I’ll be visiting your country in May on a cruise ship, doubtful I’ll have the opportunity ride on on the trains. Perhaps the next visit I can try the trains

@TheSitruc46

Жыл бұрын

I meant to say I enjoyed the video Dylan!

We travelled with Hull Trains First Class last September,a very good price,we booked in advance,the catering was superb,a lovely bacon sandwich and tea in proper cups,non of them plastic things!very good experience!

What a Awesome review do you prefer these more than azumas and lumo also I'd recommend you try the Caledonian sleeper or the night riveria train again

I’ve been on this Hull service numerous occasions always reserve a seat when I book and to find someone sitting in my seat, the staff on board are useless at times and let anyone sit where they want.

wow great train

Great trip, great train, and yes definitely agree, on board service is bit disappointing.

I travelled with Hull Trains recently. We requested seat reservations which we didn’t get, and the train was fully booked. Couldn’t see why they didn’t just kick us off the train. I’d have rather been kicked off than having to stand for the 80 minute ride to London from Grantham. On a positive note, staff apologised more than enough and kept us informed about delays, and on the way back we found an unreserved coach which was empty.

Hmmm.... Interesting journey as far as what I saw there. If I was doing it in Standard Class, I'd be using Hull Trains down to King's Cross, as I really don't care about trolley services in Standard. The Trolley Services from most providers have little choice and are obnoxiously expensive. However, if I wanted 1st Class then I'd probably change at Doncaster (or use a Northern service to Doncaster) and use the superior LNER services.

@tonywilkins6090

Жыл бұрын

Having worked for one of the catering companies years ago, I can say yes its expensive and the reason is the buying power with the suppliers. Catering companies dont have the buying power or/and storage to order stock similar to a supermarket. So for example lets say ASDA makes a guaranteed 1 million bottles of water a day purchase, the supplier would charge them lets say 1.5p per bottle. ASDA will charge the customer 65p for a bottle of water. Catering company can purchase up to 50,000 bottles a day but it varies so the supplier decies to charge them a flate rate of 21p per bottle regardless of order size. The Catering company will charge the customer £1.80 for a bottle of water. If Catering companies had the buying power similar to ASDA, they would be cheaper but unfortunately they dont, and they never will be.

Love the UK vids

Totally agree with you here, Dylan - Hull Trains first class offer is a “we don’t care” offer. I travel frequently from Grantham to London King’s Cross, and back, and at my ripe years treat myself to first class - but I’ll do my best to avoid Hull Trains (who, as an extra ‘treat’, frequently cancel services). On another topic - and as you say standard to this stock - the lighting is a design disgrace - harsh and clinical. Who wants to travel in a mobile operating theatre?

totally agree with you dylan hull trains have always been second class.. its because they have had the manopoly service for as long as i can remember,,,, great video. brian d.

12:47 best team in the world😏

Hull should just honestly label their First class Regular, and the other Economy. If you advertise something as 1st class, the customer will have certain quality expectations regardless of ticket price 🤔

I despair of the First Group. They seem to make a mess of everything they touch (Avanti, TPExpress etc). Definitely more interested in profits.

@barrieshepherd7694

Жыл бұрын

But they still manage to keep the franchises - so maybe they are delivering what the Government want?

I travelled the EC ML to from London to Leeds last week in a Hitachi unit. The track was really rough on some of the 125 mph sections between Peterborough to London. Is this normal? Is Jarvis back on the maintenance schedule?

I was on the same 155 as you on the same day!

I understand what you're saying about 1st Class only having a pre-packaged sandwich, although, if I was to book from my local station going with Avanti for this coming Thursday on a lunch time service it's nearly £100 and that includes my railcard also, so I think I'd be happy with even £57

The class 800's are the worst thing to happen to British rail, you cannot sit on the seats for longer than an hour without a very sore but/back.

Maybe HS2 will free up innovations and expansions of services, including Hull - Doncaster - York - Leeds - Manchester - Holyhead, which is much-needed and long overdue

Greetings from Venezuela

I am going first class in a few weeks on the same journey. I booked it over LNER or Grand Central because of the direct route. Shame really as they offer a superior First Class experience. Oh well, I was swayed by the convenience rather than service as i didn't want to go on a crappy Northern Rail train to Doncaster from Driff

that freakin train looks like it’s flying and smoothly too in this vid.

I haven't been on the hull trains 802 but iv been on transpennine express 802 I love the livery and everything you mentioned on the hull 802 was the same for me on the transpennine express 802 but I was in standard iv done the nova3 aswell I recommend you try the transpennine express nova3 I can't remember if you already done it

@heidirabenau511

Жыл бұрын

At least with your experience with TPE, you didn't pay a premium price unlike Dylan.

Come to think of it, most of south Yorkshires main train stations are next to the train station or a very short walk to the train station.

@barrieshepherd7694

Жыл бұрын

I think you need to edit that post 😎

Although a flexible ticket valid only on Hull Trains services is much cheaper than one valid on other services

Came back on Hull trains from King's Cross to Doncaster first class as LNER had cancelled our return trip the customer service on Hull trains was crap compared to LNER very poor probably because they are part of first group

Doncaster Works is long gone, mate.

Did you bump into Dell and Rodney as this station featured in the episode to Hull and Back again

@alanbrown3015

Жыл бұрын

Hull Station (Paragon) is often used for filming because it has a beautiful intact roof without any electric traction infrastructure, so can relatively easily depict period productions.

Travelled back from Hull on Monday. First class food was a hot bacon roll, and as a tea drinker the tea was good. I choose First mainly for the increased space and comfort which was good. LNER does have a better food offering, but the ticket costs more and you need to change trains. Staff were friendly throughout. I do agree the lack of food and drinks in standard class is very poor.

Wow, nowhere near good enough for a train traveling that distance. Hull trains needs that franchise taken away - although I’m now of the opinion that rail privatization has been a net negative and we need a national service along the lines of db or sncf with a handful of private companies running the odd service on the mainlines to keep the national service honest. If service was exceptional then slightly higher prices may be bearable or you can have a dirt cheap service that isn’t world class - but you can’t have a mediocre service with ridiculously expensive tickets which is the current set up (costs me £36 to get a train into London from 30miles away and that’s inexcusable). Regardless, glad he shared his trip, interesting to see

@stevieinselby

Жыл бұрын

It isn't a franchise, Hull Trains are an open access operator. They are running the service because it didn't exist before privatisation, and they saw a gap in the market and applied to run it. If they were to pull out, DfT would be under no obligation to replace the service - although they would be mad not to, as it has been established as an important part of the network over the last 20+ years. In an ideal world, HT would be disbanded and it would be subsumed into the LNER operation, which would give passengers more flexibility on ticketing as well as a better standard of on-board service that is more appropriate to a 2½ hour intercity journey.

what a shame. When you pay for first class, you should feel like that's where you are. Agreed, I'd look for other options next time.

The shocking seat to window alignment on these trains just baffles me!

You should have witnessed the complete shambles today on the hull to King’s Cross train…

Out of curiosity Dylan, did they offer more than one drink? Or was it 1 drink that’s it during the journey LNER tend to go through about 3/4 times

LNER has fallen off a cliff too. An unbuttered breadcake with two rashers of bacon and a cup of tea twixt Leeds and London does not VFM make.

LNER appear to be the best of the TOC's at this time.

I have never used Hull Trains but I regularly use LNER and their catering, though slightly less attractive than pre-pandemic, is still far better than this - though even Hull Trains beats SNCF InOui which offers only the Café-Bar at standard prices. So far as comfort is concerned I find LNER 5 car Azumas to be far bouncier than the bigger units, especially around Retford and Newark, and wonder whether the shorter Hull Trains have the same problem.

Even though I’m in Derby I always head to stoke and take the Avanti West Coast service to London Euston much better than EMR to St Pancras

At least a simple trolley service through Standard class would have been sufficient.

Every thing so much better in BR days. Food and drinks in first and second class. Zero tolerance of second class ticket holders taking first class seats. Comfortable seats. Good vision out of windows. No pretentious 'aircraft' interiors or seating. Much better ventilation. Locomotive haulage instead of motorised carriages. I could go on.

I would have felt disappointed as well, if all a first class ticket provided was a nasty prepackaged sandwich and equally nasty instant coffee, with a plain, dry biscuit. As for the second class travelers-no meal or snack options? That’s poor customer service.

Does hull trains have a first class lounge in London?

Lucky for the people of hull, one Lner train operates there a day. Lner has a much better offering.

I used to live in Selby, Hull trains actually saved the london service and provided a regular service to doncaster direct train 20 mim or via Leeds 1 hour! They were welcomed with open arms. The food though has gone down hill, there was a time when the units had proper Kitchens and served full meals in 1st class.

If you mention the power unit you need to always mention who built it. That's how I keep track (no pun intended) of train types.

bring a seat cushion to sit on.

You only pay for the journey from A to B. ANYTHING ELSE, including a SEAT, is a bonus.

@gowestyorkshire_4782

Жыл бұрын

you do realise this is a review right

Okay I do see people ranting about Hitachi but lets just say that yea the interior might not be good but I do like exterior and sounds of all these 800s ans 385s. Hitachi made other trains which are my favourite being the E233-3000 series VVVF drive +E531 as well. They also made the E7, E6, E5 and E2 series Shinkansen which are absolutely brilliant. Yes this maybe Hitachi’s worst interior product but you all have to understand that they also make great trains overseas and in Japan itself.

¿this packed sandwich was first class? ... umhh. Thanks for the ride.

I have only been first class once it was awful was joined by member of train staff eating a smelly pie in seat behind .chatting to his mate .it was as peaceful as Waterloo at Friday rush hour never again

I mean I wish DB would offer that in 1st class, lol!

What do you mean “open access operator”?

As you said, nice enough train and not so great catering. The wooden stirrer belongs with a cardboard cup, which will probably happen within a year or two.

@BibtheBoulder

Жыл бұрын

As long as that?

10:58 1Mbps is still OK to a point, you can just about get away with audio streaming (Spotify/Tunein etc) as well as low resolution (360p?) video streaming. This is far, far better than what EMR offer on their Meridian fleet, with the latter not even having an option to use 4G because of the signal blocking train windows.

Does anybody know how that first class kinda look like disappointing?

This is a £37 ticket. In Germany, First class often times is more expensive and comes with one complimentary biscuit. That’s it.

💖

A train ride cali to Florida any video

Bom tarde Dylans lindo trem bala gostei londre first classe

@heidirabenau511

Жыл бұрын

It's not a bullet train!

@Danse_Macabre_125

Жыл бұрын

This is as similar to a bullet train as a coat hanger is to a shoe

Try going on Cross Country they were advertising Sheffield to Plymouth first class £305 single!thing the Hull Trains is a bargain!