I used to work on the railways and there seems to be a lot of misconceptions here...
Yes i think BA will be rubbing their hands with Glee, one thing virgin did do, was get people to abandon flying to London from up here, and take the train, whether you like Virgin/Branson or not, they did get the product mostly right in the end, which just shows by the number of people using the service, which is double the
The railways in the UK are nothing like airlines, the Government has a massive say in how they operate. The Government also decides virtually everything that is important; the actual fleet, the levels of 'flexible' fares, the frequencies e.t.c. All very convenient, since the Gov. can blame the private companies when there are complaints.
But based on my experience of First Group rail franchises, I'm not looking forward to getting to train from Manchester to Euston when they take over. It'll be cramped, crowded and far less comfortable. I think I'll be electing to fly MAN>LON a bit more often after December!
I doubt it. The actual trains, the frequencies, the staff e.t.c all stays the same. Basically, it's a pointless re-branding exercise. The trains are leased, the lease simply transfers to First.
Most of the improvements to rail between Manchester - London have not been paid for by Virgin, but by the Great British taxpayer. I fact, I am little bit sick of this love for Virgin that everyone seems to have, must be their
PR...
I have no love for First either, but when it comes to catering they've proposed introducing a "Travelling Chef" service onboard with meals available to standard class and first class. That's probably an improvement over what Virgin offer.
In fact, since a direct Blackpool - London service is now officially on the cards, there's even less chance of a London air link!
its some clapped out thing, they have already said their going to cram more seats into the what will be ex-virgin trains,
All Transpennine Express trains are new(ish). Northern Rail have older trains. That is entirely down to the Government, they have complete control over rolling stock allocation.