>
> They ignore any feedback they get - they don't really want to run The
> Overland, and are looking for any excuse to get rid of it.
If they don't want to run it they seem to be making a lot of noise about
track standards. They have said that in their advertisments that they
are in for the long haul. If they were going to close down the service
they wouldn't have run the ads = an unneccessary extra cost.
To be fair and balanced I think they have a few problems with the track,
public perceptions about service (or lack thereof) etc but I'm prepared
to give them the benefit of the doubt.
If I was a business operator and running a business that needed to
attract more customers I'd be interested in any well thought out
suggestions on how I could improve my service and attract more patrons.
>
<snip>
> Why not get rid of the RBJ buffet car, and replace it with the Club Car -
> First and Sleeping Class passengers could use the Club Car facilities, and
> Economy passengers could purchase from the Club Car for consumption in their
> seats. Staffing levels would be the same.
>
I don't know but until such time as I have had a chance to ask GSR why
or why not, I'll assume that they have a reason. We just don't knwo what
it is. Maybe they haven't turned their minds to it yet. Maybe if someone
suggested it to them they might give it serious consideration hence my
original post.
> >
> >If we get enough replies perhaps Roderick b Smith (railnews editor)
> >might like to do a feature article (I'll volunteer to write it if
> >necessary) about the Overland and people's suggestions for improvements.
> >Also the replies could be forwarded to GSR management for their benefit.
>
> They will just ignore it.
No they won't. Only a fool ignores well thought out advice. I dont think
GSR are fools.
>
> >Who knows - they may pick up one or two of the ideas?
>
> ROFL
What does ROFL mean? Is it Rolf misspelt?
>
> Several months back, I emailled GSR at the address on their website,
> enquiring as to the position I found myself in - I had purchased a
> (admittedly non-refundable) ticket on a train that was advertised as
> providing a Club Car. The Club Car was subsequently permanently removed, and
> I was unable to obtain a refund from Countrylink, who had sold me my ticket.
> Hence, I was emailling GSR for advice, particularly since they were not
> providing the service I had paid for (a sleeper and a Club Car). There was
> no reply after two weeks, sop I re-sent it. No reply again. I posted the
> information here in aus.rail and I eventually received an email saying "Yes,
> we do read our emails, I cannot understand why you did not receive a reply.
> You are entitled to a refund - go and tell Countrylink to refund your
> ticket."
>
> Countrylink rang Adelaide, and still refused to refund the ticket - the case
> is currently with the ACCC.
Serves you right. Do seriously expect to get a reply when you can't be
bothered to write a letter inclduing a copy of your original ticket?
Email is still regarded as 'informal communication'. On such a serious
matter you should have written a letter. I'll bet you didn't email the
ACCC.
>
> So, to answer your first query, they do read this newsgroup, but they ignore
> any possibility of keeping The Overland running beyond the two years that
> they are required to.
Again I point out that they would not have forked out the money for
advertisments if they weren't in for the long haul.
<snip>
Mind you I'll tell you what I expect to happen. To improve proftability
I would not be surprised if GSR does make an announcement along the
lines of '...unfortunately profit results on this line have not met
expectations and without further improvements to the line there exists
no possibility of future profitability hence in 3 months we shall be
forced to close this service...'
They will have little intention of closing the service but the resultant
political fallout is bound to force the State Governments to fork out
money upgrading the line in order that the service is maintained.
Closing the service is a pretty good bargaining chip. All bluff and
bluster and eminently predictable. We can but wait and see.
cheers Peter