Financial climate affects railtour market
THERE are indications that the huge rise in costs associated with charter tours is having some effect on the business, although it is in an area not expected. The ‘First Class only’ category appears to be taking a hit in some operations, but the Premier (full dining) continues to be popular and invariably sells out. Having said that, with prices just about to hit £300 (Pathfinder Tours), this amounts to a huge rise compared to last year and is a reflection of not only all associated hire costs, but the enormous hike in fuel cost.
UK Railtours has been charging £239/£259 for Premier passengers. Locomotive Services’ decision to abort its ‘Staycation Express’ HST services this summer over the S&C was a portent of changing circumstances, a shame because the product offered was an excellent package.
However, the variety of tours offered is proving successful. The UK Railtours trip to Boulby on Saturday July 23 was sold out. Another well patronised outing was Pathfinder Tours’ ‘Dorset Coast Explorer’ with two ‘Cromptons’ to Weymouth, helped by the fact the organiser was allowed an extra carriage in the formation – which sold out immediately.
Nevertheless, there are dark clouds on the horizon. Electricity costs are scheduled to escalate again this October which will affect tour participants’ pockets. There is an even larger uncertainty – operators such as Riviera Trains and West Coast Railways still have not heard from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) as to what will be the fate of Mk.1 stock on the national system. The present permissions come to an end on March 31 next year. Controlled Emission Toilets (CET) are being fitted to some carriages, but there remains the matter of fitting central door locking to Mk.1 stock
– so far there is no standard fitting being rolled out across the various operators. A power source is, of course, essential for such equipment. The days must be approaching whereby later builds of stock (Mk.2 and Mk.3) will become the norm for railtours which, for the enthusiast sector, will not be welcomed.