'Middle-class' carriages: UK rail passengers offered 'premium economy' fares

[John Ashworth]

'Middle-class' carriages: Rail passengers offered 'premium economy' fares

Three classes of travel will be introduced to Britain's railways for the first time in 60 years... While previously the only options on a train have been the plush seats and a hot meal in first class or a squeeze in standard, the new trains will feature a middle tier with snacks, more legroom and faster WiFi. Avanti West Coast, which replaced Virgin Trains on the West Coast Main Line on Sunday, is developing a premium economy-style offering, similar to that on airlines.

Avanti managing director Phil Whittingham, who previously held the same role at Virgin Trains, said: "We know there is going to be three classes. It is going to be a first class, a premium economy-type style and economy." He said passengers in premium economy could be entitled to "the bigger seat, better wi-fi and snacks rather than a meal".

Britain has not had three tiers of seats on its trains since 1956, when trains had first class, second class and third class...