The Passengers’ Panel has sought straightforward answers to some of the questions posed by passengers. Here, we’ve put some of the most frequently asked questions to the directors and managers of South West Trains
From e-motion magazine issue 21:
Q&A Search
Replacing the white Desiro Class 444 trains with blue Desiro Class 450s on the Portsmouth to London line benefits the minority of passengers but will cause discomfort for the vast majority as the seats are narrower, less padded and have rows where three passengers sit instead of two. Why not extend trains by a carriage or two rather than swapping classes of trains? What are the long-term plans for coping with the predicted increase in passenger numbers on this route?
I heard some time ago that the train departure boards at London Waterloo were going to be replaced. Is this true?
From my experience, the Oyster card is considerably more expensive per journey than the old Carnet option (a booklet of 10 single tickets phased out with the introduction of Oyster). I am sceptical as to whether smartcards will provide passengers with a better deal. And won't the introduction of new smartcard technology push fares up even further?
Getting a ticket at London Waterloo has improved after the partitioned queuing system, where passengers wait in one line, was introduced. Can you do the same at Kingston?
Ventilation on your new blue Desiro Class 450s and white Desiro Class 444s is terrible when the air conditioning and fans are not working, because the sealed windows can't be opened. From a health and safety perspective, how can you be sure there is adequate fresh air?
Can you tell me whether smoking on station platforms will still be allowed after this year's new anti-smoking legislation comes into effect?
Would you ever consider introducing a service where Gold Card holders could reserve a seat on peak time mainline services?
I am considering commuting by train to avoid the traffic jams. However, there don't seem to be enough car parking spaces at stations. Are you doing anything about this? And what about Premium Bays and more parking for Season Ticket holders?
Please can you tell me why I am unable to renew my Season Ticket at a time that is convenient to me—for example, on the morning before my ticket expires?
You can search all the questions and answers published in previous issues of e-motion magazine.