Challenges for charters

I enjoyed the article on the challenges facing charter operations (RAIL 962). It was thought-provoking and informative.

I’ve been on several such trips over the past 18 months and have enjoyed them in the main. I usually opt for the dining option, which has been pricey but enjoyable.

However the Standard Class accommodations on all these journeys has been pretty ropey. Cold, grubby, with filthy, steamed-up windows, and seating which appeared to comprise wornout sunken seat cushions.

On all the trips taken, I’ve chatted to various station staff about the charter business, and they’ve always been critical of them - citing congestion on the network, unreliable steam locomotives and rolling stock breaking down and causing problems for scheduled services, and so on.

Let’s hope the seemingly perfect storm facing charter operators doesn’t sound the death knell of these hugely enjoyable experiences

Eric Dawson, Bolton