Virgin Trains Travel Trade

Adverse weather Scotland 3rd January 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:23:00 +0000

There will be no trains services running north of Carlisle and there are no alternative road replacement offered, as all main and diversionary routes are now closed.

Please advise passengers not to travel toda(3rs January)

Passengers holding tickets may apply for a full refund or travel tomorrow.

Super Off-peak fares for Christmas & New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:49:00 +0000

These tickets will be available for sale in all retailing systems as of the 21 December 2011, and will be available for travel from 28 December 2011 until 2 January 2012.
The promotional fares are only available between London Euston/Watford Junction/Milton Keynes Central and Coventry/Birmingham International/Birmingham New St, and between London Euston and Rugby and are only valid on Virgin Trains services.
All Super Off-Peak fares are £21.00 single and £22.00 return.
Seat reservations are not compulsory, but they are recommended.
They are refundable -full refund minus £10 admin charge for unused tickets.
Changes can be made to travel plans, to the same destination, subject to a £10 administration supplement and the difference in price for the new ticket.
Railcardscan be used, but normal railcard restrictions will remain (i.e. minimum fare and time restrictions

Severe delays due to weather conditions: 08DEC

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:14:00 +0000

Owing to high winds and poor weather conditions between Glasgow Central and Preston, trains will run at reduced speed on all lines.

There is also flooding between Carlisle and Oxenholme Lake District services so south-bound are running at reduced speed .

Customer should be advised that they may experience severe delays or short notice cancellation.

Delays of up to 90 minutes can be expected. Some services are terminating at Preston. There is only a limited service north of Preston at present and there is no road transport planned.

Passengers with Virgin Train tickets dated for Thursday 8 December who postponed their journey due to the disruption will be able to travel on Friday 9 December. Customers should be advised to travel as close to their original time of departure as possible.
Customers with tickets for travel North of Lancaster who decide not to travel due to the disruption may get a full refund from the point of sale.

Fares from January 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:55:00 +0000

Many of the prices that were due to apply from 2 January 2012 are being revised following the government announcement that regulated fares are to rise by an average of 6% instead of the previously advised 8%.

The revised fares will not be available in ticketing systems until 19 December, although some systems will require a further few days to be updated.

Therefore special arrangements have been put in place for customers booking tickets for travel on or after 2 January 2012, but before the new prices are available.

PLEASE NOTE THAT FARES FOR TRAVEL BEFORE 2 JANUARY 2012 ARE UNAFFECTED

Walk up fares (Anytime/Off-Peak/Super Off-Peak)

• Until 19 December 2011 (or until the correct January 2012 fares are made available in retail systems as advised locally), tickets booked for travel on or after 2 January 2012 should be sold at the current (2011) prices.

Advance fares

• These fares are unaffected and can continue to be booked and sold as normal, for travel either before or after 2 January 2012.

Season Tickets

• Season Tickets sold or renewed to start before 2 January 2012 are unaffected.

However, the correct prices for Season Tickets starting on or after 2 January 2012 will NOT be available until 19 December (or until the correct January 2012 fares are made available to retail systems as advised locally). Until this time, please advise customers that the new Season Ticket fares are unavailable.

Please note that websites providing information on rail fares (such as National Rail Enquiries and TOC sites) will quote incorrect prices for Season Tickets starting on or after 2 January 2012 until the new fares are made available on 19 December. However they will clearly advise customers of this and ask them not to use the Season Ticket price calculators on their websites before 19 December

Christmas services

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:33:00 +0000

Up to and including Friday 23 December Normal service
Saturday 24 December Early finish, with some late services terminating short of destination, or not running. (check timetable).
Sunday 25 December No trains running
Monday 26 December No trains running
Tuesday 27 December Services start later than normal (check timetables). Wolverhampton to Stafford blocked until midday. Services on the London Euston to Birmingham New St./Wolverhampton routes and Manchester Piccadilly route are reduced to two services per hour.
Rail replacement coaches between Wolverhampton and Stafford.
Saturday 31 December Early finish (check timetable).
Sunday 1 January Stafford to Stoke-on-Trent/ Macclesfield is blocked all day, services will be diverted via Crewe. (No train services to/from Stoke-on-Trent, Macclesfield or Stockport)
Rail replacement coaches between; Stafford – Stoke-on-Trent – Macclesfield, Stockport – Wilmslow, Macclesfield – Wilmslow, Stockport – Manchester Piccadilly, Stock–on–Trent - Stafford
Manchester Piccadilly-London Euston services reduced to two per hour.
Upgrade Box:
Upgrade for up to £15 to First Class
Offer available Tuesday 27 December until Monday 2 January 2012*
Book online or upgrade on the train.

*If you’re taking advantage of our up to £15 First Class upgrade over the weekend, you’ll find yourself in a very special place. Stretch out and enjoy Wi-Fi, power access at every table and complimentary light refreshments.

Book now for December, January and February
Reservations are now open for December, January and February. For the exact dates check the Advance tickets availability calendar. Be sure to book in advance to get the best fare, but do check for Travel updates in advance.

Our festive menu
We serve the full First Class offering from 14th December until 22 December. To get you in the festive spirit, you’ll find a Christmas Ham with Festive chutney sandwich or White stilton with port and fruit chutney sandwich for light bites or Venison with cranberry, chestnuts and orange for Evening Meal. All accompanied with luxury mince pies

On Friday 23 December we will run breakfast as normal then Light Bites for the rest of the day removing the Evening meal.

When the service resumes again on Tuesday 27 December we will serve the weekend offering where you can enjoy complimentary light refreshments. Normal food service resumes on Tuesday 3 January 2012.
More info at
http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/christmas

Planes Trains and Automobiles -the Virgin Connection

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:59:00 +0000

Book selected Upper Class fares from London to anywhere in the world,
and Virgin Atlantic will pick up the tab for a single or return First Class ticket anywhere on the Virgin Trains network to London Euston absolutely free.
Then, when your passengers arrive in London, they’ll pick them up in a
complimentary chauffeur driven car and whizz them to Heathrow,
where they’ll go from their car to the
Clubhouse in just 10 minutes, thanks to the Upper Class Wing.
Once onboard, your passengers will enjoy superb, friendly service, excellent
food and drink, and one of the longest fully flat beds in business class.
For more details go to
www.vsflyinghub.com

First Class Seat Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:46:00 +0000

After the success of our previous First Class seat sales, Virgin Trains will be re launching this promotion, and it will be available for bookings from 23 November – 29 November inclusive.

Advance ticket type FIS will be used and will be available, through all channels, for travel between 10 December 2011 – 22 January 2012 inclusive.50, 000 tickets will go on sale on selected routes. This fare will be available in all retailing systems and will be a great opportunity to up sell passengers from standard class to First Class.

Example London Euston fares as follows:

o £17 between stations to and from West Midlands one way
o £24 between stations to and from Stafford & Stoke-on-Trent one way
o £28 between stations to and from North West one way
o £30 between stations to and from North Wales & Cumbria one way
o £40 between stations to and from Scotland one way

Terms and Conditions

• Fares are available on selected Virgin Trains services only.
• Tickets are non-refundable.
• Change of travel is available up to the departure on payment of a £10 admin fee plus the difference of the new applicable fare.
• Child Discounts apply.
• Other discounts including Railcards do not apply.
• The offer will end on 29 November or until 50,000 journeys have been booked.
• Tickets are available for booking from 23 November - 29 November inclusive.
• Tickets are available for travel from 10 December 2011 – 22 January 2012 inclusive.
• Seat reservations are compulsory and free of charge for both outward and return journeys, and are only valid when travelling on Virgin Trains. Customers must travel on the trains and seats they reserve. If customers travel on different dates or trains, they will have to purchase a new ticket at the full fare

On 23 December the First Class service offered will include breakfast as normal, with Light Bites offered for the remainder of the day. There is no evening meal served on this day. From 27 December 2011 – 2 January 2012, snacks will be offered throughout the day as part of the First Class service. No meals will be served during this time. From 3 January, full First Class service will resume on Virgin Train services.

Fly Virgin Trains to London

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 07:56:00 +0000

VIRGIN TRAINS INVITES CUSTOMERS TO ‘FLY’ VIRGIN TRAINS AND EXPERIENCE THE FASTEST WAY TO TRAVEL BETWEEN LONDON AND BIRMINGHAM

London, 5, September 2011
Today, Virgin Trains launches a new campaign ‘Fly Virgin Trains’. It celebrates Virgin Trains as the fastest way to travel between Birmingham and London.

Trains run every twenty minutes and take 1hr 24mins*, which gives you more time at your destination. That could be more time in London sightseeing, extra time before you set off for your business meeting or getting home earlier to see the kids.

Virgin Trains is also pleased to be able to reserve seats when you book in advance. It’s an easy way to guarantee a seat and it’s free. The reservation allows you to choose a window or aisle seat, a power socket or to relax in our quiet coach. Just don’t get too comfortable, you’ll be there before you know it.

Onboard every Virgin Trains service there’s a Shop providing refreshments. Plus we’ve got staff onboard every train there to help. Or choose to Fly to London in style in First Class and enjoy complimentary food and drink brought straight to your seat.

Virgin Trains services arrive and depart from London Euston. Euston is centrally located in London and well connected for onward travel – so you can get to your ultimate destination more quickly. Euston is on the Victoria and both branches of the Northern Line London Underground. It’s a 5 minute walk from Euston Square underground station which is on the Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City and Circle lines. Euston is also on the London Overground network and well connected by London buses. There’s a taxi rank located beneath the station as well as car hire facilities.

Trains arrive and depart from Birmingham New Street Station, which is right in the heart of the retail district and a short walk from the commercial district of Birmingham. Birmingham New Street provides excellent onward transport links via local buses and trains. Plus there’s a taxi rank outside the main station entrance.

* Services run every 20mins London Euston to Birmingham New Street Mon-Fri 6:03am – 9:03pm, Sat 7:03am-7:43pm & Sun 12:18pm-8:38pm. Average journey time 1hr 22mins.
Services run every 20mins Birmingham New Street to London Euston Mon-Fri 5:29am - 8:10pm, Sat 5.50am-7.10pm & Sun 11.30am-7.30pm. Average journey time 1hr 24mins

Bank Holiday engineering update 26 August 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 07:06:00 +0000

Please note that London Midland tickets are NOT valid on Virgin Trains services between Milton Keynes and Euston even on Sunday morning and on any Virgin Trains service except between Birmingham International and Birmingham New St on Sunday and Monday (we run the only trains operating between these two points). Southbound customers with LM tickets should change at Birmingham International for LM services.

A briefing on the August bank holiday 2011 arrangements
Updated 23 August
Saturday 27 August
• Warrington to Wigan blocked on Saturday with hourly Birmingham to Preston Voyager trains via Wigan and Manchester. Euston to Glasgow services run Pendolino trains Euston to Crewe (some extended to Liverpool) and Wigan to Glasgow. The 1039 and 1240 Glasgow to Euston trains run as Voyagers and are diverted via Wigan and Manchester to Euston
• Chester services do not run and North Wales services run between Crewe and Holyhead
• Rail replacement coaches operate between Wigan and Warrington and Warrington and Crewe for local flows. Additional coaches are running to cater for Wigan fans attending the Rugby League Challenge Cup final at Wembley ( 1430 Kick of)

Sunday 28 August
• Some engineering work south of Rugby /Milton Keynes until approximately 1300 and only a limited train service south of Milton Keynes can operate using diesel trains (either Voyagers or Pendolino trains dragged by diesels) as there is also single line working so whilst some trains run to and from Euston most trains from the north will start and terminate at Milton Keynes
• Operating this service, there is NO need for the West Coast Replacement Voyager shuttles to run between Euston and Nuneaton via the Chiltern route.
• These are the morning services from Euston
o 0855 double Voyager to Glasgow diverted via Manchester (not Wigan though)
o 0900 Pendolino to Liverpool
o 0905 Pendolino to Manchester via Stoke and Macclesfield
o 0910 Pendolino to Wolverhampton
o 1015 double Voyager to Glasgow diverted via Manchester (not Wigan) calling at Milton Keynes to connect with starting trains at MK
o then the 1120 and 1231 Voyagers run to Wolverhampton calling at Milton Keynes to connect with starting trains there. Also 3 trains will start from Rugby in the early part of the morning
• Southbound, the following services will operate
o an hourly West Midlands to Euston Voyager service will operate calling at Rugby and Milton Keynes to connect with trains terminating at MK
o the first two trains from Manchester and one from Liverpool will terminate at Rugby and customers change there for Euston
o later services from the north west will terminate at Milton Keynes for customers to connect with hourly West Midlands trains to Euston
• In the main, train crew changeovers will be at Rugby not Milton Keynes
• Prior to 0930, London Midland operate coaches Northampton – Wolverton – Milton Keynes – Watford and all stations Northampton to Watford to connect with London Overground services to Euston.
• After 0930, LM operates coaches Rugby to Northampton, Northampton to Milton Keynes, half hourly trains Milton Keynes to Hemel Hempstead to connect with a coach all stations to Watford for the London Overground to Euston. After 1230, LM run trains into Euston
• From approximately 1300, a reduced service into and out of Euston will operate each hour (two West Midlands, two Manchester, one Liverpool and one Crewe). Euston to Milton Keynes will be open to electric trains. Chester services do not run and North Wales services run between Crewe and Holyhead
o Northbound, when the line is open, the first of the trains to run normally will be the 1310 Euston to Birmingham Pendolino
o Southbound, the first through service to Euston from the north west is the 1135 from Manchester (arrives Euston 1356) and the 1148 from Liverpool (arrives Euston 1422)
• Warrington to Wigan blocked all day with hourly Birmingham to Preston Voyager trains via Manchester (not calling at Wigan). Euston to Glasgow Pendolino trains run Euston to Crewe and Preston to Glasgow.
• Rail replacement coaches operate between Crewe, Warrington, Wigan and Preston for local flows
• Stetchford to New St is blocked for the Birmingham Gateway project with West Midlands trains diverted round the back to New St with extended journey times (approx 10 – 15 minutes). No CrossCountry, Arriva or LM trains run between Birmingham International and New St only 2 Virgin Trains services an hour
• London Midland train services from the south (Rugby) will terminate at Birmingham International and not be diverted into New St with an hourly coach service all stations from International to New St.
• CrossCountry will operate an hourly coach service between International, Coventry and Leamington

LM Tickets
• London Midland tickets are NOT valid on Virgin Trains services between Milton Keynes and Euston even on Sunday morning and NOT valid on any Virgin Trains service except between Birmingham International and Birmingham New St on Sunday and Monday ( we run the only trains operating between these two points). Southbound customers with LM tickets should change at International

Monday 29 August
• South of Rugby, two track railway to 1200 with a reduced service operating at these times (two Manchester and two West Midlands trains an hour) and trains depart Euston slightly earlier than normal
• Stetchford to New St blocked for the Birmingham Gateway project with West Midlands trains diverted round the back to New St with extended journey times (approx 10 – 15 minutes). No CrossCountry, Arriva or LM trains run between Birmingham International and New St only 2 Virgin Trains services an hour
• London Midland train services from the south will terminate at Birmingham International and not be diverted into New St with a half hourly coach service all stations from International to New St.
• CrossCountry will operate an hourly coach service between International, Coventry and Leamington

LM Tickets
• London Midland tickets are NOT valid on any Virgin trains service except between Birmingham International and Birmingham New St on Sunday and Monday (we run the only trains operating between these two points). Southbound customers with LM tickets should change at International

Friday update TPE Industrial action cancelled

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 07:04:00 +0000

We have been advised by Trans Pennine Express that the proposed Industrial Action by Drivers for today Friday 26th August has been CALLED OFF. TPE are hoping to run a full service. **Please Note that we will still accept TPE tickets as previously agreed as there is a possibility that TPE will still have some cancellations on their Anglo-Scottish routes**

TPE update for travel 26th August 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:12:00 +0000

TPE have sent us the following update

Holders of Advance Purchase tickets dated for travel on the 26 August, with either 'TPE ONLY' or 'TPE &
Connections' printed on the ticket will be able to use any First TransPennine Express service that is
operating on these dates.

Advance purchase tickets dated 26 August with 'TPE ONLY' printed on the ticket will be valid for travel up to
seven days after the date on the ticket, but only on First TransPennine Express services.
Other train operators will accept TPE tickets on Friday and have also agreed to the following;
Advance purchase tickets dated for the 26 August with 'TPE & Connections' printed on the ticket will be valid
for travel on other operators’ services 48 hrs before and up to seven days after the date on the ticket.
They will be valid for travel for the journey stated on the ticket and customers should travel as near to the
original journey time as possible.

Customers who decide not to travel
Customers who choose not to travel will be entitled to a full refund for the affected journey with no admin
charges applied. Tickets should be returned to the point of purchase for refund.

If customers have any queries about this please contact TPE customer relations team on 0845 600 1671 for further
information.

proposed TPE strike action 24 Aug & 26t Aug

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:27:00 +0000

proposed TransPennine Express (TPE) strike action on Wednesday 24th August and Friday 26th August forwarded on behalf of TPE

Holders of tickets booked for strike days:

Holders of Advance Purchase tickets dated for travel on the 24 or 26 August, with either 'TPE ONLY' or 'TPE & Connections' printed on the ticket will be able to use any First TransPennine Express service that is operating on these dates. Advance purchase tickets dated the 24 and 26 August with 'TPE ONLY' printed on the ticket will also be valid for travel 48 hrs before and up to seven days after the date on the ticket, but only on First TransPennine Express services.

Other train operators (including Virgin Trains) will accept TPE tickets on the strike days and have also agreed to the following;

Advance purchase tickets dated for the 24 and 26 August, with 'TPE & Connections' printed on the ticket will be valid for travel 48 hrs before and up to seven days after the date on the ticket. They will be valid for travel for the journey stated on the ticket and travel as near to the original journey time as possible.

Customers who decide not to travel:

Customers who choose not to travel will be entitled to a full refund for the affected journey with no admin charges applied. Tickets should be returned to the point of purchase for refund.

If customers have any queries about this please advise them to contact the TPE customer relations team on 0845 600 1671 for further information.

Summer Seat Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:51:00 +0000

After the success of our First Class seat sale in December, Virgin Trains will be re launching this promotion and it will be available for bookings between 29 June - 05 July inclusive.

Advance ticket type FIS will be used and will be available, through all channels, for travel between 23 July – 04 September 2011 inclusive.50, 000 tickets will go on sale on selected routes. This fare will be available in all retailing systems and will be a great opportunity to up sell passengers from standard class to First Class.

Example London Euston fares as follows:

o £19 between stations to and from West Midlands one way
o £25 between stations to and from Stafford & Stoke-on-Trent one way
o £27 between stations to and from North West one way
o £29 between stations to and from North Wales & Cumbria one way
o £39 between stations to and from Scotland one way

Terms and Conditions

• Tickets are non refundable.
• There is no Railcard discount.
• The offer will end on 05 July or until 50,000 journeys have been booked
• Tickets are available for booking between 29 June 2011 - 05 July 2011 inclusive
• Tickets are available for travel between 23 July 2011 – 04 September 2011 inclusive
• Seat reservations are compulsory

Managing customer queries

1. Q: Is ticket type FIS available in on all Virgin routes?
A: No, available on Virgin Trains only.

2. Q: Can I book at the station/ at virgintrains.com/ over the phone/ through any channel?
A: Yes, available through all channels.

3. Q: Can I use a Railcard?
A: No, there is no additional discount for Railcards.

4. Q: Do children receive extra discount.
A: Yes, children (age 5-15) receive their standard discount of half the adult fare.

5. Q: Can changes be made to travel plans?
A: Yes, to the same destination, subject to a £10 administration fee and the difference in price for the new ticket.

London Underground strikes

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:20:00 +0000

London Underground (Tube) Strikes commencing Sunday 19 June 2011

The RMT have called a series strikes of their members employed by London Underground. These are currently due to take place:
• Between 21:01 on Sunday 19 June and 03:00 on Monday 20 June
• Between 21:01 on Monday 27 June and 11:59 on Tuesday 28 June
• Between 12:00 on Wednesday 29 June and 11:59 on Thursday 30 June
• Between 12:00 and 21:00 on Friday 1 July
At this stage LU are expecting the impact on services on Sunday 19 / Monday 20 June to be minimal, but indicate that there could be significant delays on subsequent strike days. In the event that the strikes do take place TfL/LU have advised that the following ticketing arrangements will apply.
• LU singles/return printed tickets issued on the day are used at the customers risk and will NOT be reimbursed.
• LU issued single/return tickets will NOT be valid on TOC services EXCEPT when valid for travel between stations on designated 'inter-available' routes. Customers wishing to use alternative TOC services must purchase a valid ticket for the journey.
• Travelcard season tickets will of course be accepted on alternate services within the ticket's zonal validity.
• Day Travelcards bought in advance can be refunded if surrendered before the day of validity - otherwise no refund is to be given.
• Oyster PAYG users will be charged the appropriate fare for the journey for the mode(s) used
• National Rail tickets with 'cross-London' validity will ONLY be accepted on LU services if they are valid for travel on the day(s) of the strike
• There will be NO change to validity or acceptance of Freedom Passes, TfL/LU Staff Passes or other tickets that are not normally accepted on TOC services. These will continue to be restricted during strike periods
• LU singles/returns valid during this period will be accepted on London Bus services on 'reasonable routes' only

Changes to VBR (Virgin Business Return)

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Wed, 25 May 2011 12:12:00 +0000

Please be aware Virgin Trains has withdrawn the Virgin Business Return (VBR) and the Take Ten Business (TTN) ticket at Manchester and Liverpool stations. We are currently unable to offer the car park facility at these two stations. Any customers who have bought these tickets will be able to obtain a refund on the car park voucher for Manchester and Liverpool only.
All vouchers should be sent to our Customer Relations Team on

Customer Relations
Virgin Trains
FREEPOST BM 6613
PO BOX 713
Birmingham
B5 4HH

New Onboard magazine - Happy Easter to all my readers!

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:04:00 +0000

On 20th April Virgin Trains launched a new publication called Onboard -an eight page guide which will be published four times a year to coincide with the introduction of our First Class menu change each season.
Each issue of Onboard will feature a different destination on the Virgin Trains network as a main feature, travel tips, competitions and other relevant information.
The first issue of Onboard will feature :
• Birmingham as the featured destination.
Information about the First Class menu, The Shop onboard, Wi-Fi and travel tips.
• Three competitions will run:
1. Win a Virgin Balloon Flight.
2. Win entry to the Good Food Show at the NEC Birmingham and two First Class Virgin Train tickets.
3. Win a luxury holiday at Windermere Marina Village in Cumbria.
• Full details of each competition are featured inside onboard and terms and conditions are available at http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/terms-conditions/.

Virgin Trains fares from 2nd January 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:56:00 +0000

Fares on Virgin Trains' services will change from Sunday 2 January 2011. Read the letter from our Executive Director, Commercial Graham Leech, and learn more about the changes, how to find the best value tickets and avoid the busiest trains

http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/tickets-offers/

Take Ten Fares

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:56:00 +0000

In the New Year, we will be making some changes to our Carnet Product ‘Take 10’

From 2nd January 2011, the Take 10 Standard and First products will only be available as single fares – buy 10 singles and pay for 9. This brings the Take 10 product in line with our policy of single fare pricing

Because of technical issues we will not be able to offer the new Take 10 singles for sale until 2nd Jan (new prices for all other ticket types for travel after Jan 1st are available for purchase from Dec 5th).

So currently passengers will be able to buy the Take 10 products in their current format (all return fares) up until Jan 1st, but they will not be available to buy for travel after Jan 1st until the New Year
The exception is the Take 10 Business, (VBR) – this is a return fare including parking and LU travel and it continues to be available

More car parking spaces at Stafford Station

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:56:00 +0000

MORE CAR PARKING SPACES AT STAFFORD STATION
Network Rail has confirmed that the new south car park for rail passengers using Stafford station will open on Monday 11 October. Work will then transfer to the north car park (beyond the Mercedes car showroom) for a further four weeks.
A new charging structure is also being introduced, offering substantial discounts over the full day rate for off peak and weekend users.
From 11 October all-day parking at Stafford will cost £8, and is the first increase in parking charges at the station for almost six years. New reduced off-peak parking charges will be available from 10:00 on weekdays costing £4 and a new weekend rate of £2 a day will apply. Monthly, quarterly, six monthly and annual season tickets are also available for regular peak time users, which have also been increased to align them pro-rata with the new daily rate. The new monthly ticket costs £98 effectively offering daily parking, based on 20 days use a month at just £4.90 a day. The annual ticket is prices at £980 and if used for just 45 weeks a year offers an equivalent daily parking rate of just £4.36 a day.
When work on upgrading the north car park is completed there will be 272 extra spaces and everyone should be able to find a parking space.
The car park has a new 'Pay on Foot' payment system, where a ticket is issued on entry to the car park. Payment must then be made at the machine prior to customers returning to their car to leave the car park.

Changes to the Traveller Loyalty Scheme

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:50:00 +0000

A letter is going to current Traveller members to advise them of the following changes

Changes to availability of peak time trains on Monday mornings

· Complimentary Traveller tickets will no longer be available on some peak trains on Monday mornings. They will still be able to travel on quieter trains until noon on Mondays.

Changes to qualifying ticket types

The minimum entry level on some ticket types is being raised. This is to bring them in line with current fare levels. The majority of Traveller members are already qualifying well above the minimum entry level and the fares increase is not expected to have a negative impact.
· The minimum ticket value will now be:
· First Anytime: Return tickets must be worth £100 or more and Single tickets £50 or more)
· Advance First: Single tickets must be worth £70 or more
· Virgin Business: Tickets must be worth £165 or more
· First Class season tickets: Three-month season tickets worth £3,010 or more and annual season tickets worth £6,900 or more)
· Take 10: Ticket must be a First Anytime Return or Virgin Business and must be worth £614 or more.

Photo ID required

One of the benefits of belonging to Traveller is that it includes free weekend leisure travel on the Virgin Trains network for the member and a partner, all day Friday to midday on Monday.
Unfortunately some members don’t follow the terms and conditions of this benefit. In some cases there is genuine misunderstanding, but in others Traveller membership has had to be revoked.
To try to stop this happening, we’re introducing photo ID as a requirement when travelling on complimentary Traveller tickets.
ALL Traveller members will be asked for their photo ID and Traveller Membership Card whenever they present complimentary Traveller tickets.

Charityline Update 21st July 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:14:00 +0000

The current policy of allowing charities to travel during the peak with Off-Peak tickets is being phased out. The last date charities will be able to purchase tickets under the current scheme will be 20 August 2010. We are aware that some charities will have purchased tickets for travel beyond this date and we will continue to honour such tickets without penalty.
The phone line, 0845 305 0350, will remain open until 18 September to help with account refunds or change of journey. From 13 August you will need to book all tickets through thetrainline.com website.

Under the new scheme tickets can be bought up to 23.59 the day before travel and collected from a FastTicket machine at the station – removing the seven days notice previously required

Similar to today, the amended scheme will require the traveller to be in possession of a valid charity photo ID card or dated letter of authority on charity headed paper with discounted charity tickets.

The discount is available to registered charities that are able to prove a minimum 10% voluntary funding level. This can be validated by a letter from your Finance Director, or similar, stating your 10% minimum voluntary funding; or for charities with an income over £500,000, a link to the page on the Charity Commission website (OSCR in Scotland) that shows your charity’s funding status.

To register at thetrainline.com

- Click on the Business Account tab and then ‘Create a business account for my company.’
- Fill in your company details. Remember to select ‘Charity’ as the Business Type from the drop down menu.
- After you complete your registration, you will be provided with a business ID number.
- Once registered, please email the Charity team (charitydiscount@thetrainline.com) with the following information:
- The ID number of your business account
- Your registered charity number
- Confirmation of your eligibility
- Please put the name of your organisation in the subject line.

if you email by Friday 30 July your discount will be activated by Friday 13 August. Otherwise, activation will be completed within 15 working days of receiving a valid request.

charityline update

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:36:00 +0000

Changes are being made to Virgin Trains’ existing CharityLine scheme later this month - as a result, Virgin Trains are currently not accepting any new account applications. The changes to the scheme are currently being finalised, and we hope to be in a position to confirm and publish the details later next week.

Existing CharityLine customers are advised that although the current scheme will be changing, the existing scheme will remain in place until at least the middle of August, and that any tickets already booked, or purchased between now and then, will be honoured. A letter confirming the details of the changes will be sent to all existing users within the next week or so. This page will be updated in the coming days when more details about the new scheme become available.

NRS upgrade and impact on reservations

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Mon, 24 May 2010 11:20:00 +0000

National Reservation Service Upgrade
From 00:01 hrs on Saturday 29 May 2010 until 11:00 on Sunday 30 May 2010, upgrade work will be carried out on the National Reservations Service (NRS). This period has been chosen as, whilst it is a busy period for travelling, it is one of the quietest times of the year for booking tickets.
NRS is the central reservations system managed by ATOC on behalf of Britain's train companies. Each year NRS processes 1.5 billion booking enquiries from station ticket offices, ticket sales websites, call centres and travel agents. These searches result in over 60 million reservations every year made on National Rail train services in Great Britain. It also supports the sale of over half a million great value Advance fares every week.
The upgrade will double the capacity of NRS, allowing it to support further increases in the already fast growing number of Advance tickets sold every week as well as the anticipated further growth in seat reservations. It will also support new forms of customer-friendly ticketing such as print-at-home tickets.
During the upgrade it will not be possible to view the availability of, or to sell, Advance tickets because they require mandatory reservations; neither will it be possible for customers to make reservations for other types of ticket. Off-Peak and Anytime fares without seat reservations will continue to be available from all usual retail channels. Timetable information will not be affected.
Please can you ensure all team members and any self-booking clients are aware of this short period where Advance tickets, and seat reservations will not be available.

Volcano News

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Wed, 05 May 2010 13:31:00 +0000

Updated Policy for customers affected by disruption to UK Air Services
The CAA have announced that some Scottish airports will be closed for part of today, 5th May. A number of customers will be seeking to cancel rail tickets to/from airports or alter their rail travel plans.

Virgin Trains Policy for today 5th May, is that if any bona fide airline customers with pre-booked rail tickets dated for travel today, present themselves where they can prove they were due to fly or have just flown in to the country, then:

· Customers who are travelling on pre-booked Advance or walk-up tickets and arrive at the airport to find their flight cancelled will be allowed to return home using their return tickets immediately, with no further charge being made to do this.

and

· Customers whose inward flight is delayed, causing them to miss booked services, will be allowed to use their Virgin Trains Advance tickets, or walk-up tickets that have expired, on any Virgin train today or tomorrow, 5th/6th May, along the same route in order to complete their journey.

These easements only apply to airline passengers. In both the above cases, customers will need to provide evidence that they are bona-fide airline customers, showing either:· Airline ticket or ticket stub· Flight confirmation e-mail print out
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Refunds – normal refund conditions remain in place and hence customers who have chosen to purchase Advance tickets will not be entitled to refunds.

Retail Update 16 April 2010 - Customers affected by UK Air Service Disruption

noreply@blogger.com (Travel Trade Vigin Trains) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:05:00 +0000

Due to the current disruption to UK Air services a number of customers will be seeking to cancel rail tickets to/from airports or alter their rail travel plans. This document outlines the policy in place for these customers.
Refunds – normal refund conditions are in force and hence customers who have chosen to purchase Advance tickets will not be entitled to refunds.
Changes to Travel Plans – normal time restrictions are in force for Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets.
The following special conditions apply to holders of Advance, or walk-up tickets that have expired:·
Customers who are travelling on Advance tickets and arrive at the airport to find their flight cancelled may return home using their return tickets immediately, with no further charge being made to do this·
Customers whose flight is delayed, causing them to miss booked services, may use their Advance tickets, or walk-up tickets that have expired, up until Friday 30th April 2010 in order to complete their journey
In both cases customers will need to provide evidence that they are bona-fide airline customers, showing either:·
Airline ticket or ticket stub·
Flight confirmation e-mail print out