CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Infrastructure

GWR trains & cycles

(9 posts)
  • Started 8 years ago by barnton-to-town
  • Latest reply from gembo

  1. barnton-to-town
    Member

    Does anyone have any experience of getting bikes on their high speed trains, without reservations?
    I'm travelling on Friday, and reserved tickets and bikes weeks ago. Kicking myself that I didn't check the bike reservations properly; the cursory glance at 3 tickets looked like all was well. However, it was 3 tickets for just one bike reservation.

    Since last night, I've been on the phone to them long spells, and they aren't very helpful. Apparently, the customer rep did request two bikes, but was only able to get one. For whaetever reason, she didn't become aware of that during the call. They're all very apologetic ... "but there's nothing we can do to help".

    Escalation/complaint will take 2 weeks to process, so that won't help.

    I have been told that, if I'm early enough, I will almost certainly get one of the unreserved spaces (there are "some"). That's all well & good - but if I don't, then our whole trip's up the swanee.

    So - anyone know if the GWR guards are helpful at letting on unreserved bikes???

    Posted 8 years ago #

  2. DaveC
    Member

    Get a box, remove both wheels, twist the handlebars and carry it on as luggage. Tell them its baby stuff.

    https://forum.cyclinguk.org/viewtopic.php?t=106096

    Dav eC

    Posted 8 years ago #

  3. gembo
    Member

    Last time I went intercity to london with bike I could see only 3 or maybe 4 spaces at a push for bikes at the very end of the train in smallish cupboard. I am wary of the 'some' unreserved spaces claim?

    Went to Newcastle a good few years back and the bike space was part of the goods van maybe 10 racks.

    The former seems to be more often the case these days

    Posted 8 years ago #

  4. barnton-to-town
    Member

    @gembo
    I'm also extremely wary of the "some unreserved space" and "good chance of getting an unreserved space" claims from GWR customer relations, particularly as they apparently have no way of communicating with the actual operations staff.

    The box idea may be a go-er, tho.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  5. crowriver
    Member

    Yeah, box or bike bag the only feasible option, I reckon. Bike bag might be more easily transported by bike once you're there, box you'll have to chuck (recycle) and replace, or store somewhere for the return trip.

    If the guards are anything like the ones on the East Coast trains, even if you've got a reservation you may struggle to get the bike on... (though to be fair I've also had very positive experiences - with a reservation mind).

    Posted 8 years ago #

  6. chdot
    Admin

    "If the guards are anything like the ones on the East Coast trains, even if you've got a reservation you may struggle to get the bike on"

    Not my experience at Waverley and KGX.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  7. DaveC
    Member

    You can obtain a box from a local bike shop, but the earlier you ask the better! Bogger shops will have more stock. They should not charge as they have to pay to get rid of their waste. Box up, and give the ticket staff no impression it is a bike, don't open it (as it is private) and say it is anything but a bike. A box is better than a bag as you can tell its shape from a bag, though as has been said harder to store. But let us know where you are getting off and we may know someone at the far end who may be able to help store.

    I have a box I can give you. Based in St Andrew Sq.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  8. crowriver
    Member

    @chdot, no at Waverly and KX it was fine. Intermediate stops can be tricky though: had a very bad experience at Dundee station where I was refused boarding despite a reservation. I suspect if the reservation is booked well in advance this wouldn't be a problem however - this one had only been booked earlier the same day.

    Posted 8 years ago #

  9. gembo
    Member

    perhaps return reservations have worked out so box could just be recycled?

    Folding bikes are also a drastic option? :-)

    Posted 8 years ago #

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