Great North Eastern Railway > Reviews > Assuredly 'The Flying Scotsman'

Author's product rating:   

Frequency of trains	Excellent
Reliability of trains	Mostly on time
Comfort of trains	Very comfortable
On-board facilities	Excellent

Advantages:	High quality of service in all areas
Disadvantages:	None

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

*I would like to stress immediately that I am not qualified to comment on the level on Standard Class services provided by GNER. My own experiences are tailored more for the discerning traveller who is willing to pay a higher fare for First Class travel and should be treated as such. Regards.*

The reasons for my using this service have all been academical in nature, that is I have had to travel from Scotland to Cambridge for lectures, work and so on. I should stress that these journeys follow irregular patterns, although that does not seem to affect the quality and value offered. It would probably be easiest to arrange this evaluation into a number of distinct sections, as follows:-

- The Timetable

I have found the service frequencies to be adequate for all of my needs. From Edinburgh Waverley there is a direct service to London King's Cross every half an hour during peak periods, but at least hourly. I should add that my itinerary requires a change of train at Peterborough and some of the earlier expresses only offer limited stops, which means that I have to transfer at Doncaster. However, connection times are adequately arranged and allow for the possibility of delays to services.

As regards the speeds achieved, GNER currently offer the fastest rail journey between London and Scotland at 4 hours and 10 minutes, which is convenient. In any case, the average journey length is rarely more than 4 1/2 hours in duration.

- The Fare Structure

The ticketing system employed is extensive and offers numerous options and packages. Whilst the Open Return tickets are expensive, this does allow flexibility in travel arrangements. I have found it more convenient when purchasing such fares to opt for the 'First Business' packages, whereby a full meal or car parking can be included for £1-£2 more.

The off-peak fares are also widely available, even on some typical peak services, such as the 8 o' clock service from Edinburgh Waverley. One point to note is that it might be worthwhile employing a system of 'split-ticketing' in order to combine separate connected fares. The well-known website MoneySavingExpert.com (or something like that) goes into this in more detail. However, this does not always work.

A final point is to book your tickets as far in advance as possible, although with the First Class options there is less liability of significantly reduced availability.

- The Passenger Accommodation

The seating provision is of high quality and is extremely spacious. Indeed, they offer more room than any other operator in my experience. The fabrics are comfortable and the capability for seat backs to recline offers a smoother journey. However, I have found that keeping the seat fully erect provides me with the most enjoyable experience. The provision of tables is ample, with capacity from 1 to 4 persons.

Luggage racks are more than adequate and the overhead provision is larger than it at first appears. There has always been plenty of space for larger items at the coach ends, which are within easy view along the entire length of the carriage.

The lavatories are spacious and have always been cleaned to a very high standard. There have also been full supplies of paper, soaps, warm water and so on, which is a delightful rarity.

Overall, the trains are finished to a high degree and are clean, light and offer considerable space.

- Facilities

With regard to the Stewards employed by GNER, I have always found them to be helpful and courteous. The Guards are knowledgable of the route and the service provision, which is helpful for many travellers, although not myself as I have never required such assistance. Generally, uniforms are smart and in order and the demeanour of staff is appropriate and more than adequate.

The waited provision is regular and extensive, offering high quality sandwiches, cakes, drinks and so on. Although prices are inflated for certain items, this is not unreasonable relative to other operators and, to use a phrase, you get what you pay for. I may confess that the fresh salads were superior to even those of the Ritz Hotel on Piccadilly.

Thirdly, the Dining Car offered on weekday trains. I have always been impressed by the overall atmosphere created by such a unique service and it is true that there is something romantic about dining on the rails. The menus offer variation, but are not overly ambitious, and all dishes are of the highest quality. The preparation and presentation both complement each other perfectly and the waiting staff are able to offer advice on suitable accompanying beverages. A novel feature is that the chefs often leave the galley to come and speak with the passengers, making the whole experience much more personal. I would suggest the Craster salmon with potato salad to anyone who is unsure about what to select from such a cornucopia. Incidentally, the coffee is some of the best that I have come across in the entire country. It is strong, smooth and well-flavoured and, what's more, is freshly brewed for no additional cost.

Overall, the facilities provided are far superior to any other intercity operator and offer excellent value for money. I have heard some people complain about high tariffs for full luncheons and dinners, but quite frankly these are unfounded. Prices in the Dining Car are comparable with any good, well-received, stationary kitchen.

- Miscellaneous Observations

Staff on-board and at stations are courteous and well-mannered and readily offer information and deal with requests that don't always fall within their specific competence. The services are reliable and have never been late, delayed or cancelled when I have travelled. Interestingly, GNER are the only company who I have ever seen offering a porter service, although this is not official. Still, this is certainly a throw-back to a more genteel age.

One memory that shines most clearly in my mind is a ticket collector at Peterborough station. It is simply marvellous to find such polite, well-spoken employees in any sphere.

In the final analysis, GNER have done much to revitalise the rail industry in the United Kingdom. They have managed to prove that proper service can be provided for even the most demanding passenger and consistently lead the entire network in terms of quality, value and excellence. I can only say that I hope that they regain the franchise that has been so foolishly taken away from them and can continue their fresh, invigorating approach well into the future.