It's the same on the Spirit of Capricorn and for sitting car passengers on
the Queenslanbder, although the food is not included in the price. However
where the buffet is provided, as in the RBJ cars, it should be used. The
Prospector and SoC are multiple unit trains and have a simply galley
rather than a buffet. The other difference is that the trains with a
trolley service travel in daylight for a lot of the journey whereas the
Overland is overnight. I've heard no complaints from passengers on other
trains about having to go to the buffet car. Having a buffet car DOES
distinguish it from a bus.
It's also worth pointing out that Qantas does the catering for the
Prospector.
One of the biggest gripes I have heard is buffet car prices, particularly
on Countrylink but I assume it's fairly universal. $1.50 is not a
reasonable price for a coffee which costs about 10 cents to make.
Operators should not see the buffet as an additional source of profit, but
rather as a service to encourage more people to travel. The profit should
come from tickets, not food. 25 extra passengers will generate more
overall revenue than an extra 50 cents on each cup of coffee. Tea or
coffee is probably the most common item purchased at the buffet. If it was
sold at a more reasonable price, it would probably encourage more people
to go to the buffet "just for a coffee", but while there they would
probably also buy something else on impulse.
I would think that at least for first class passengers the fare should
include supper (e.g. tea/coffee and biscuits) soon after departure, either
delivered to your seat/berth or from the club car. First class should also
get free a continental breakfast and morning newespaper delivered to your
seat or berth. Also for sitting passengers, airline style pillows and
blankets could be provided.
I'll also take this opportunity to say a few words about Countrylink. I
think the hot food is quite reasonably priced. The quality of hot food is
about as good as can be expected under the conditions, although for
regular travelers there is not much variety. Vegetarians must be getting
really bored. They've been offering the same leek and mushroom strudel for
years. It's not very appealing to have the same menu offered for lunch and
dinner on the same or a connectiong service. It would not be difficult to
have a greater variety of prepackaged meals available, just load smaller
numbers of more varied meals before each departure - and load a different
selection onto each service. It's really not that difficult to do. The
side salads are quite nice, and a useful addition would be to offer the
same salad in a slightly bigger box with some cold meat as a main meal
option. The ICD had some very nice pre-packed meat and salad main meals.
The breakfast menu also leaves a lot to be desired. The devonshire teas
are an excellent idea which other operators would be well advised to
consider.
I have heard a lot of people complain that alcohol prices are too high,
however this may be a good thing. It discourages passengers from drinking
too much and being an annoyance to others.
Cheers
David