Next year hitachi trains GWR

[robjh]

Virgin have a compulsory bike reservation policy but it is bookable up to 15 minutes before departure, so not impossible for shorter notice travel.

15 minutes before departure from each station, or before departure from starting point of the train? I suspect the latter - if not, then Virgin have improved. It's of limited use if your train runs from London to Glasgow, say, and you are somewhere in the middle and want to jump on the next available train. Especially if your station is unstaffed in the evenings, which is common even at mainline stations out in the sticks. And no it's not impossible, just an extra hurdle put in our way.

 

[classic33]

From Monday 16 May 2016, reservations for bikes will be mandatory on all our High Speed trains.

• storage is in Carriage A; secure your bike with the strap provided, but don’t lock it up
• tell the train manger your destination
• remind them when your stop is coming up and they’ll make sure you can leave the train safely

https://www.gwr.com/your-journey/journey-information/on-board/cycles

 

[robjh]

From Monday 16 May 2016, reservations for bikes will be mandatory on all our High Speed trains.

• storage is in Carriage A; secure your bike with the strap provided, but don’t lock it up
• tell the train manger your destination
• remind them when your stop is coming up and they’ll make sure you can leave the train safely

https://www.gwr.com/your-journey/journey-information/on-board/cycles

yet if Bath University are to be believed, GWR have hinted to them that they won't be as mandatory as all that. What to believe...?

 

[classic33]

yet if Bath University are to be believed, GWR have hinted to them that they won't be as mandatory as all that. What to believe...?

Keeping the travelling public well informed though!

 

[Gravity Aided]

https://www.adventurecycling.org/bicycle-tourism/multi-modal-travel/
In the States, our Adventure Cycling Association made up an excel spreadsheet showing rail accommodations, which helps somewhat.

 

[Rasmus]

According to the folder as seen on Twitter, reservations will be possible up two two hours before the origin departure of the train. Also they will refuse access to any bikes without reservations on HST trains. Hopefully the second part will not be rigorously enforced...

 

[Richard Fairhurst]

yet if Bath University are to be believed, GWR have hinted to them that they won't be as mandatory as all that. What to believe...?

The Bath University quote is correct. It's in a letter sent by Mark Hopwood (GWR) to stakeholders - I have a copy of the same letter.