Re: GSR Overland Service (or lack of Service)

a (peterdah@camtech.net.au)
Sat, 15 Nov 1997 00:27:14 +1030

I think you are quite correct there. What you did not mention from what
I read was the Buffet car will be refurbished for seating shortly.
Since I am a frequent user of the Overland ( My nature of work) the Club
Car has always had poor patronage. I applaud GSR in taking great steps
in improving a lost making service. We should wait and see how they will
further improve the service. I as a Australian surely don't want The
Overland to be taken off the rails. They will get business as long as
they try and improve the service.

Keep The Overland running.

Train Lover.

Neil Waller wrote:

> The Overland has lost the Club Car.
>
> GSR advertise that:
>
> "All First Class passengers have for their use the Buffet Car,
> where they can purchase drinks and light snacks in the evening."
>
> For Coach class:
>
> "Snacks and low-alcoholic beverages can be purchased from the
> Coach Class section of the Buffet Car."
>
> This implies a different level of service for First class and
> Coach class passengers reflecting the vastly difference price paid:
>
> First Class (Sleeper only) $178, and Coach Class Seat $56.
>
> The "Buffet Car" is the RBJ car with coach class passengers
> occupying the seats.
>
> Now if I am to pay $178 for a Roomette Sleeper I want to be able
> to get out of it in the evening particularly and socialise with
> my fellow passengers and be able to see whats happening outside
> of the train on both sides not just the restricted view from my
> berth.
>
> GSR have lost a potential passenger: I will not travel Coach class
> overnight, and I will not pay $178 for little service in first
> class.
>
> It seems the major factor is the cost of providing a service
> rather than the quality of the service.
>
> Of course cost is a factor, but then if the 2 first class cars are
> full then GSR is pulling in $5040 to provide the sleeping service.
>
> A Club Car attendant can't cost that much a night.
>
> --
> Neil Waller (nwaller@denr.sa.gov.au)
> Department of Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs
> Telephone: Oz: (08) 8204 9218; International: (618) 8204 9218
> Mail: GPO Box 1047, ADELAIDE 5001 Australia
>
> Unless explicitly attributed, the opinions expressed are personal
> and not those of DEHAA or the South Australian Government.