New GWR IETs under fire over lack of buffets

THE RMT has been holding demonstrations today at London, Swansea and Plymouth about the lack of buffets on GWR’s new Intercity Express Trains. Surfers have also been protesting about the simultaneous withdrawal of space to carry surfboards. The last scheduled HST is set to depart from London Paddington this Saturday on the eve of the timetable change, marking the end of more than 40 years of service on lines to south west England and south Wales. The RMT said it had warned GWR that passengers would be unhappy about the abolition of buffets, and has now published the results of a staff survey which appear to justify the claim. GWR said the space which would be needed for a buffet was being used to provide extra seats.