Services on City Rail Interurbans

["David Bennetts" <davibenn@pcug.org.au>]

David Martin's recent proposal for an up-market Caves Express makes me
wonder whether there would be a market for some limited catering on some
existing Cityrail services, eg those to Newcastle.

OK catering would introduce some problems like taking up some space, litter
problems etc, but nothing which would be insurmountable.   If the Manly
ferry service can provide catering on a half hour journey, it is a little
uncivilised undertaking a train journey of up to two hours without any
refreshments. When the South Steyne was in service years ago they even
provided a cooked breakfast of bacon and eggs,  fine if the weather was kind
at the Heads.   Maybe catering would only be viable on the morning and
evening commuter runs, but I'm sure our ethnic friends would jump at the
chance if given the opportunity to tender for a catering service on board.

In Europe you will usually find catering on train journeys of an hour or
more, even if there's a trolley service.  British commuters often have a
full breakfast on board, despite the exorbitant prices charged.   V/line
provide a trolley service for similar length journeys.

I believe that some years ago budding entrepreneurs set up a trolley service
on the Gosford commuter trains and were very well patronised until
officialdom found out about them and kicked them off the trains.  It was
always interesting to stop at Hawkesbury River and have the oyster sellers
going the whole length of the train selling their product - the train would
never leave until the oyster sellers finished their business - I always
wondered what commercial arrangement, official or otherwise, was entered
into to ensure that this prevailed.

Would be interested to hear what others think!

Regards

David Bennetts
Canberra