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On 5th March, EMR announced that they would be removing seat reservations from 1st April 2026. This is a temporary measure while the train fleet transitions from the diesel Class 222 Meridian units to the new bi-mode Class 810 Auroras. These have different seating configurations, but they can also be swapped for one another in service at short notice. Advice from EMR states: “Operating two fleets makes it technically and operationally difficult to provide seat reservations as the seating layouts are different and the technology on the Class 222 is old and inflexible. While we know our customers value seat reservations, we also know that failing to honour a booked reservation is one of the biggest causes of dissatisfaction. We have therefore taken the decision to remove seat reservations on all Intercity services from 1 April 2026 while we transition to our new Aurora fleet. We recognise that inconsistent reservations have created challenges and frustration for customers and colleagues. This temporary measure will allow us to provide greater certainty during the fleet transition. From 1 April 2026:
We are working closely with our IT team to ensure clear information for passengers is displayed on the reservation screens on the trains and for the management of passenger assistance and bicycle reservations. We are contacting customers with reservations who are travelling from 1 April and providing them with simple information about what this means for their journey. Clear messaging will be provided through booking channels, stations and on-train announcements. We will keep you informed as the fleet transition progresses and as we are able to reintroduce a consistent reservation system for our customers.” We in Harborough Rail Users have discussed this with EMR and are satisfied that it is a reasonable temporary measure during the fleet changeover. We have also been assured that it will not result in any reduction in the numbers of discounted Advance tickets available at each fare tier. Not quite the same. The seating layout on Class 222 Meridians (left) and Class 810 Auroras (right) is not the same. As the fleet replacement progresses, reliably honouring seat reservations is not possible, so the decision has been taken to withdraw the facility temporarily from 1st April 2026. Photos: Steve Jones Ticket refunds
The arrangements for refunds on tickets not used are also changing from 1st April. This is a change in the National Rail Conditions of Travel. Further details can be found here: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/help-and-assistance/compensation-and-refunds/refunds-change/ In essence, the previous allowance of up to 28 days after date of travel has been removed, such that refunds can only be requested up until 23:59 on the day before the ticket becomes valid, unless your train is delayed or cancelled. The reason is to prevent fraudulent misuse of the system. Comments are closed.
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