A credit to Rail Privatisation (Central Trains)

Member Name: da_el

Product:	Central Trains
Date:	24/05/02 (95 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Reliable, Comfortable, New Trains

Disadvantages: Expensive, Small number of routes still operating old Diesel trains (though refurbished)

Central Trains is one of the biggies - serving the whole of the Midlands, from Stansted to Liverpool and Norwich to Shrewsbury.

Residing in the Midlands and being a frequent user of both Centro regional services (operated by Central Trains) and long distance services, I find it difficult to fault them. In the vast majority of cases, their trains are extremely reliable (99.4% reliability rate from the SRA) and on time. Urban services are frequent and are a pleasure to use with Central's relatively new Electric trains running across the Centro area as well as the ongoing station refurbishment program. At times the trains can get a bit overcrowded but then, which trains don't.

Long haul services are certainly no worse, the new fleet of Turbostar trains makes the journey a dream. The trains are very comfortable, quiet and convenient, with a trolley service on most routes and scrolling displays in the carriages informing you of the approaching stations.

However, this excellent service is backed up with high prices. The new 'Central Value' ticket gives £22 between Birmingham New Street and Stansted Airport, whereas a typical Virgin Value (from Virgin Trains) ticket to London costs just £7. However, a days unlimited travel on Centro services can cost just £5 so it isn't all bad.

With a decrease in ticket prices I would rate Central Trains 100% on service, comfort, punctality and reliability.

Summary: