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Reopening: open carriages and solo travellers

Discussion in 'Heritage Railways & Centres in the UK' started by D1039, Aug 13, 2020.

  1. D1039

    D1039 Guest

    Apologies in advance for opening another thread but I'm struggling to find the answers across other threads/posts.

    Which railways are operating loco hauled services (so excluding DMU) using open carriages please? And which are selling tickets for solo travellers?

    Thank you

    Patrick
     
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  2. flying scotsman123

    flying scotsman123 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Good idea. I'll kick things off with the GWSR, one open carriage per train that allows solo travellers or a pair at one seating bay.
     
  3. sycamore

    sycamore Member

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    No discrimination against singletons at Embsay! :) Tickets - https://www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk/timetable/tickets

    - Compartments for 1-8 pax within social bubble (normal fares but all journeys must be done as one round trip from Embsay Station ONLY).
    - Open seating for Dales Dining.

    Will
     
  4. Flying Phil

    Flying Phil Part of the furniture

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    GCR is selling single tickets but I believe it is only using compartment stock. I had a compartment on my own, which I booked at Quorn on the day, as they had some spaces left.
     
  5. 21B

    21B Part of the furniture

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    Mid Hants is using both open and compartment stock. In the open coaches the fare for solo travellers is the same as it was before lockdown. £16.

    Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk
     
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  6. Greenway

    Greenway Part of the furniture

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    Dartmouth Rail & River quote separate fares as per usual, so I assume that a solitary traveler can be accommodated on trains and vessels. Most stock is open stock, duly adapted for Covid-19. Trains run most days at present.
     
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  7. bluetrain

    bluetrain Well-Known Member

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    I recently visited Didcot Railway Centre and was able to ride as a solo traveller, with a compartment to myself in a vintage (c. 1900) GWR non-corridor. Only a few hundred yards up and down the demo line, but that has so far been my sole train journey this year.

    Also visited East Somerset. Gave a donation for site entry but did not actually travel. Noticed that their train did include an open coach, which appeared lightly loaded on the afternoon service.

    EDIT: I believe that the Avon Valley is also catering for solo travellers and couples at normal prices, but in compartment coaches (if a singleton or a couple book, the compartment is for their use only).
     
    Last edited: Aug 14, 2020
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  8. cav1975

    cav1975 Member

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    The Isle of Wight is accepting solo travellers at normal fares and allocating a compartment each. Doesn't work wonders for load factor statistics but is the customer friendly thing to do.
     
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  9. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    I worked out that the Bluebell is, if you opt for one of the dining services, you can book as a single traveller. For example, the breakfast service is £25 for a single, includes a continental breakfast in the price and a round trip of the line.

    Tom
     
  10. martin1656

    martin1656 Nat Pres stalwart Friend

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    that's reassuring to know, i might be making a trip along the A31 In a couple of weeks to revisit old haunts
     
  11. BristolCastle

    BristolCastle New Member

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    Yes thats true. I've did a trip on the line as a solo traveller.
     
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  12. D1039

    D1039 Guest

    Thanks all, keep them coming!

    Patrick
     
  13. dan.lank

    dan.lank Member

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    Are you sure about that, Tom? I’ve looked at booking but won’t sell anything less than a table for two...


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  14. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    Ah, possibly my mistake. The website form allows a choice of 1, but then clicks through to only tables for 2,3 or 4. Mea culpa...

    Tom
     
  15. dan.lank

    dan.lank Member

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    I thought exactly the same thing - website is a bit confusing! Shame, I can’t really justify a £50 return...


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  16. lil Bear

    lil Bear Part of the furniture

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    Churnet Valley Railway
    https://www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk/

    We have a SO, CK and BSK available in our post-Lockdown rake, and tickets are being sold on an individual basis. Services every weekend until November, and Wednesdays until end of September.
     
  17. Mike S

    Mike S New Member

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    The Battlefield Line offer a walk on service and solo traveller fares, pre booking also available. www.battlefieldline.co.uk
     
  18. Steamie Boxes

    Steamie Boxes Member

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    Ravenglass allows solo travelling, but has to be booked in advance
     
  19. 21B

    21B Part of the furniture

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    Breakfast available at Alresford and cream teas on the train in the afternoon...whether solo or with others.

    Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk
     
  20. RA & FC

    RA & FC Well-Known Member

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    Llangollen has one tso in the rake of 5 for single persons. Currently running every day in August, then 6 days a week in September (not Mondays).
     

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