I feel so stupid!

[Deleted User]

I hope that people see this post for what it is, and don't make a value judgment on me following it.

Recently, I got fed up of commuting to London each day and either not getting a seat or else being crammed in elbow-to-elbow with others. I spend 2 hours a day on the train and I could be using this time productively, so decided to try upgrading to first class for a month to see if this was better.

All I can say is that I feel so stupid and never before have I felt so ripped off. In fact, I feel ripped off to the extent that I wonder if I have any statutory rights to claim my money back.

I live in Surrey and commute to London - and I travel with Southern Trains to Victoria.

So, I paid my first class fee for the month, which wasn't cheap but I thought it might be worth the difference.

Firstly, there is no difference between first class and standard class other than the first class seats have a white headrest. The space is the same...seating arrangement the same...and they are all as part of the same carriage so it's just as noisy and disruptive.

Secondly though - and most importantly - because I commute during 'rush hour' there are no guards on the trains and so all that happens is non-first class ticketholders sit in first class anyway. So, I actually pay extra money and end up sitting next to someone paying the standard fare.

Thirdly, by the time the train reaches East Croydon a tonne of people jump on and stand in first class anyway talking on their mobiles and I pretty much give up peaceful working.

Fourth and finally, all the 'extras' of first class are not available on my route. No power points for the laptop. No complimentary tea/coffee/newspaper (train is too busy for buffet cart).

I know that some people might think 'I deserve it', but I feel so cheated and ripped off. I've paid extra for a service but because the train operator doesn't police the trains I ended up sitting in a rammed section that's no different to standard class and actually has standard-class ticketholders sitting next to me anyway.

I feel like a total mug.

I wrote to Southern and complained and basically got a polite letter back saying they weren't going to do anything and that they can't police all their trains, but that doesn't make it right. Am I able to argue that it's a SADFART case - that I've paid extra for a service and actually didn't get it at all?

Fortunately my employer is contributing to the extra cost to enable me to spend that time working, but my advice to anyone considering travelling First Class with Southern is really do not bother!

gilbert_and_sullivan

Yes i'd feel cheated too.

If the operator isn't going to honour their duty of care to customers paying extra for better travelling conditions then they are breaching their moral obligations imo.

Doubt you will be able to do anything about it mind unless you have access to some budding legal genius who fancies making a name for themselves.

I only hope there's some decent 'scenery' among your fellow travellers as some sort of visual compensation for the crush..;) at least you got a seat.

Sandoval

I wouldn't beat yourself up over it.

You tried something, it didn't turn out very well.

Live and learn...

skiddlydiddly

I thought if the other carriages were full you could sit in 1st class?It really would be going back to bad old days if you couldn't.

LandyAndy

Sandoval wrote: »

I wouldn't beat yourself up over it.

You tried something, it didn't turn out very well.

Live and learn...

That was my first thought. Worth a try but turned out badly.

LandyAndy

skiddlydiddly wrote: »

I thought if the other carriages were full you could sit in 1st class?It really would be going back to bad old days if you couldn't.

Would that be the bad old days when you got what you paid for?

KeithP

OP, could you not see what you would get by paying for a First class ticket?

So you have discovered that on your route a First Class ticket entitles you to a white napkin on the headrest. Could you not have worked that out before buying a whole month's ticket? Surely a one day ticket would have been enough?

In fact, from reading your post, it is clear that you could've tried the First Class accommodation for free before risking any money.

jd82

You may be able to claim your money back by saying the first class became standard class because the trains were full. I often go on Trains when they announce because the train is so full first class is now standard and first class holders can get a refund to the difference to standard class.

davemorton

Look on the bright side, after the month that you have paid for ends, you now can have 1st class travel for the cost of standard class, double bonus!!!!!

tabskitten

I'd be furious if i were you!!
Its just laughable- public transport that is!!
over priced, often late, sub standard- embarrassment and total shambles in general.

And they have the nerve to say its a substitute for the comfort and convenience of your own car!

Material_Girl_2

I don't know why you think you people may think you deserve this. If you pay extra for superior service then that's what you should get. After all if you go to a restaurant such as the Ivy you woudn't expect to be served McDonalds.

I understand that in certain circumstances first class has to convert to standard etc but you should be compensated for those occassions.

I would ask for refund, you have paid for a better service that you did not receive.