Reservations 'an abomination'

摘要

MY recent Comment (RAIL 930) about the growing prospect of highly damaging compulsory seat reservations really stirred up a hornets' nest in Open Access (RAIL 934). RAIL has been warning about this danger for some time, and a seeming reticence by LNER in particular to commit to reinstating the old system is fuelling suspicions that its compulsory reservations might become permanent. I agree that reservations were required during COVTD restrictions, but they should now be scrapped. There are some very strong opinions around the industry. Rail-Review Board Chairman Sir Michael Holden said: "There MAY be a case to be argued about reservations for some long-distance fares, but compulsory reservations are an abomination. We have a walk-up railway with the fares to support it."