Train tickets - buy now or wait til Arriva take over?

Ali_UK

Hi All,
I need to take the train from Manchester to London on 25 November. From what I understand from 1st Nov Arriva will be taking over this part of the line (previously Virgin). At present the tickets are a really good price, such that I'm going to buy an Advance First class ticket (treat myself!)

My question is:

Is it wise to wait until Arriva have taken over (and risk higher prices)
or
Should I book now and just hope that my booking is not changed

I want minimum hassle whilst obviously keeping my minimum price so not sure what to do. I understand that Arriva will be reconfiguring some of the trains and whilst I doubt it would happen prior to my trip I don't want to get bumped down to economy and get messed around for refunds etc.

Thanks!

Crabman

The earlier you buy the more likely it is you'll get a cheaper ticket - they only increase in price nearer the date of travel - also they won't have time to do any reconfiguring in 25 days, it's a big job for an entire fleet of voyagers. And if you book first class, you'll be given a seat there, no need to worry Just book soon otherwise prices may increase.

As a sidenote, the DfT stipulated that ticket prices must increase quite significantly on this route over the term of their contract so that it no longer requires subsidy from central government. No idea why they awarded it to Arriva but that's going off topic

alanrowell

I thought Arriva was taking over the Virgin Cross-Country routes not the West Coast Main Line?

Crabman

alanrowell wrote: »

I thought Arriva was taking over the Virgin Cross-Country routes not the West Coast Main Line?

Yes that's right, Virgin keep their West Coast franchise - sorry I just looked at the OP's comment about the Arriva takeover and overlooked the fact Manchester isn't on the cross country route, oops!

Ali_UK

Ah, so that means they don't take over the bit I want to travel on? I didn't realise they only took over part of the franchise! Thanks so much for your replies!

TimothyEBaldwin

Crabman wrote: »

Yes that's right, Virgin keep their West Coast franchise - sorry I just looked at the OP's comment about the Arriva takeover and overlooked the fact Manchester isn't on the cross country route, oops!

Manchester is on several cross country routes but none of the London Terminals (including Euston) are. However a few Cross Country services from Manchester call at Kensington Olympia and East Croydon, both of which are in London.

TimothyEBaldwin

Ali_UK wrote: »

Ah, so that means they don't take over the bit I want to travel on? I didn't realise they only took over part of the franchise! Thanks so much for your replies!

It's an entire franchise, but Virgin currently have two, and unlike other companies don't make it obvious in their branding. Some companies go to the other extreme.