Train travails

Now, judging by the latest changes being introduced, internet access is of greater importance to travellers than food and beverages – hence the wi-fi improvements while the on-board restaurant service is brought to an end.

East Coast, the nationalised operator, says the changes, which will see first-class customers able to have meals brought to their seats, is part of its push to encourage more people to undertake long-distance trips by train rather than aeroplane. That may be so – but there's still one major difference.

Nationwide rail operators still do not provide sufficient value for money, or adequate reliability, to passengers, and particularly those travellers who cannot book tickets in advance in advance. The quality of the new menu will have to be exceedingly high if East Coast is going to convince sufficient numbers off passengers that this is the dawn of a new age for the train.