Latest news with #Chiltern
Metro
06-08-2025
- Business
- Metro
One of the UK's busiest commuter trains is is bringing back first-class travel
Commuters on Chiltern Railways could travel to work in style, as the rail operator is reintroducing first-class carriages. The upgraded train class will offer 'spacious seats and improved connectivity for business and leisure travellers.' It's a big shake-up for Chiltern, as first-class seating hasn't be available in more than a decade. This is likely because their services, which connect London toBuckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands, are used by regular commuters, rather than passengers treating themselves on longer journeys. But while it sounds boujee, you'll still need to bring snacks, as this first-class offering doesn't include any food or drink, unlike those found on LNER and Avanti West Coast routes. While it might sound stingey, a spokesperson for Chiltern Railways told Metro that they 'don't believe that the market warrants a full catered offering at this point in time'. But added: 'There is a demand, especially in the leisure market, for greater differentiation in products.' However, not all experts agree, and there are concerns that the move to first-class echoes the snooty heyday of premium travel. Rail historian Christian Wolmar's said first-class is 'an outdated concept from the days of bowler-hatted gentlemen in their first-class compartment while their secretaries sat in second.' 'That era has gone. I think for those sort of services, there are very few people who would really want to pay for a premium,' he told the The Independent. The introduction of a first-class carriage isn't the only way Chiltern trains are being upgraded. Some of the trains still have carriages that date back to the 1970s. These will be swapped out to newer models, which will include: plug sockets and USB ports at every seat faster internet access digital information screens air conditioning improved luggage and bike storage facilities fully accessible toilets Chiltern passengers have long been calling for improvements to the services, as over on the r/uktrains Subreddit, @Head_Praline_5193 previously asked: 'Will Chiltern ever get any better?' 'Chiltern trains are frequently overcrowded on all routes…it seems poorly served compared to just about every other mainline,' they penned. More Trending Tripadvisor reveals similar views, with one scathing one-star review from MixalisK142 describing their experience as 'awful.' 'I have never found a seat on this railway. I have to pay almost £40 every time to stand for an hour and a half. There are always more than 10 people standing in each coach,' they argued, while @davidpC9073NE concluded that their journey was 'poor.' 'If I had a choice, I would never travel using this railway again.' Meanwhile, Chiltern told Metro that they 'look forward to offering an enhanced offering for all our customers.' According to data released in 2024 by the Department for Transport, Chiltern runs the second busiest train route in England and Wales: the 7.46am service from Princes Risborough to London Marylebone. The maximum load factor was calculated by dividing the passenger load of the carriages (excluding first-class) by the total capacity, and this popular commuter service had a rating of 165%. It was only topped by the 7.33am Thameslink service from Bedford to Three Bridges, at 204%. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Famous actress sexually assaulted by masseur in central London parlour MORE: I spent a day on the luxury Pullman for £10 — a wine-fuelled trip back in time MORE: Retro cocktail bar collapses into administration closing four branches
BBC News
05-08-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Chiltern Railways unveils new train carriages
Chiltern Railways has announced its oldest carriages, which were built nearly half a century ago, are set to be replaced by newer trains from spring next company said it would be replacing its Mark 3 carriages with 13 Mark 5A trains - which include updated features, such as charging ports in every said the update was a "boost for regional growth", which would "transform customer journeys" across its operates services between London and Birmingham, with journeys travelling between towns and cities across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands. Richard Allan, the company's managing director, said: "We are thrilled for our customers that we will be able to replace our oldest trains, which are nearly 50 years old, and replace them with their modern equivalent that are just six years old and provide significant improvement to their on-board experience."He said the newer trains would enable the company to run more services from the end of 2026 to "help meet rising demand". The modern fleet will include enhanced wi-fi, digital customer information screens and onboard air will also be fuelled with recycled vegetable oil, which Chiltern said would help reduce Woodcock, MP for Banbury - which has a station on the Chiltern line, said he was "delighted" by Tuesday's said the standard of Chiltern trains had been a "regular complaint of constituents throughout" his first year in office."I am pleased that this happened and that better and more comfortable journeys are imminent," he Minister Lord Hendy said the investment showed "this government is putting passengers back at the heart of the 21st Century railway"."We are continuing to support Chiltern as they develop a plan to introduce additional services into their timetable, giving people more opportunities to work, live, and socialise," he said. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Perth Now
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Noel Gallagher launches sunglasses range
Noel Gallagher has launched a range of sunglasses. The Oasis guitarist has teamed up with Finlay and Co. to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust with a limited-edition frame called the Chiltern, which comes in three colours, black, crystal and pebble, and cost $260. Noel announced the news on his X account. A post read: " 'Well it's in the manual isn't it… It actually says in the rock star book 'Thou shalt wear shades at all times, preferably indoors'." "Introducing: The Chiltern, a limited edition sunglasses collection in collaboration with Noel Gallagher, supporting @TeenageCancer. "@FinlayandCo and Noel believe young people shouldn't face cancer alone. For every pair of FINLAY x NOEL GALLAGHER 'Chiltern' sunglasses sold by FINLAY, 25% of the sale price, which encompasses 100% of Noel's royalties, will be donated to @TeenageCancer to help fund their vital work supporting young people with cancer. (sic)". Teenage Cancer Trust have praised Noel for his support. Jamie Johnson, Interim Head of Music and Entertainment at Teenage Cancer Trust, said in a statement: 'Noel has been an incredible supporter over the years, using his platform to raise awareness and drive change for young people facing cancer. "Every purchase from this iconic sunglasses collection will contribute to our vital work, providing young people with the specialised medical, emotional, and social support they'll need to get through it, from the moment they are diagnosed.' The sunglasses are described on the Finlay and Co. website as a "refined frame" which "combines a softened rectangular shape accented by a unique steel nose bridge, with adjustable nose pads". The listing added: "Handmade from sustainable Mazzucchelli acetate and featuring world-renowned ZEISS sun lenses for optimal clarity and full UVA/UVB protection."
BBC News
21-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Rail warning for Aston Villa fans ahead of Wembley FA Cup match
Aston Villa supporters travelling to Wembley by train have been collectively issued with travel advice from rail are set to play Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final, which kicks off at 17:15 BST on were advised that train travel on the day was expected to be "very busy" with "limited rail services in operation" from London to Birmingham post-match, Chiltern Railways operators in the region have also reminded customers to check their journeys and to plan ahead and purchase tickets in advance of travelling. Chiltern Railways will operate direct services from Warwick Parkway to Wembley Stadium on the day, with Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway operating services from Birmingham New Street to London Chiltern added fewer services would be in operation back to the West Midlands, should the match go into extra time and Wootton, head of the Grand Railway Collaboration, said she wanted to remind Villa fans that rail travel to and from the match would be "extremely busy"."The kick off time of 17:15 BST means that there will be limited rail services after the match for supporters returning to the West Midlands," she added."Please plan your trip in advance of travelling and you may want to consider extending your stay into the following day."No Chiltern train services would be in operation from Birmingham Moor Street, Solihull, Dorridge, Hatton, Lapworth or Warwick to London, a spokesperson added. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Netflix BAFTA Party Is On: Streamer Makes Fast Pivot To New Venue For Sunday Soirée
EXCLUSIVE: In a quick turnaround, Netflix has set a new venue for its annual post-BAFTA Film Awards party on Sunday, after its usual haunt, the Chiltern Firehouse, was evacuated amid a blaze on Friday afternoon. No one was hurt in the incident, with Chiltern guests and staff safely escorted out of the premises. However, the property has been closed until further notice. More from Deadline Chiltern Firehouse, Host To Netflix's Buzzy BAFTA Film Awards Party, Closed After Blaze - Update 'XO, Kitty' Renewed For Season 3 By Netflix, Set For First Summer Episode After Season 2 Cliffhanger 'Bridgerton' Season 4 Photos & Footage Give First Look At Masquerade Ball, Lady In Silver & More, Credits Confirm Who Will Be Back Netflix is now set to host its starry event at luxury hotel The Twenty Two in Mayfair's Grosvenor Square. Despite the fast pivot, it is expected that, as with previous years, Netflix will keep up the celebratory vibe honoring its talent into the wee hours of the morning. The streamer has 16 nominations going into BAFTA night, including 11 for Emilia Pérez, three for Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and one each for Daughters and Will & Harper. Invited revelers are also likely to be relieved the fixture event is going ahead. Netflix has hosted its well-attended soirée at the Chiltern in London's Marylebone neighborhood since 2019 and seen the shindig grow into a must stop on the post-BAFTA party crawl for actors, filmmakers and even executives from rival studios. The switch to The Twenty Two was made less than 24 hours following the fire at the Chiltern. Andre Balazs, owner of Chiltern Firehouse, said in a statement on Friday, 'It is with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation that we watched a remarkable 120 fire fighters from over 14 stations rapidly descend on what they told me was a hugely sentimental building for so many of them. We know in fact one of those who rushed to the Chiltern Firehouse this evening had been stationed in the building when it was a fire station 30 years ago. I am truly grateful to all of them as I am sure that this is not the Valentine's Day evening they had in mind.' Best of Deadline How To Watch The 'SNL50' Anniversary Concert And Three-Hour Special This Weekend Everything We Know About Christopher Nolan's Next Film – 'The Odyssey': Release Date, Cast And More 'Bridgerton' Season 4: Everything We Know So Far
