Long that the trains are, because the service also incorporates some former GWR services and will also replace the non express Heathrow service the real beneficiaries are those beyond Hayes. Seating capacity per car is lower than the previous trains.But because the services start from Reading seating capacity will be minimal it at all by the time trains reach Southall .Certainly for peak services so TfL deemed all trains to be Standee trains.The rationale was that passengers from Reading to Hayes are paying outer London fares and those in the GLA area will be paying TfL zone fares. So the higher paying passengers should benefit from the seating.Of course works only one way.But the rub is the benefit goes to those who do not pay extra council tax for the GLA and TfL, the Levy for the project, residential permits, huge parking fees and all the other additional costs those in Greater London now pay.And in return London residents get the short end of the stick for seating.All this was raised at the planning stage but the ears were closed. key suggestion being trains starting at Slough and reversing loops to run trains from mid points at each end of the line prior to the central section. Which may end up happening but probably has not been factored in should demand push the service to the limit.
Raymond Havelock ● 1113d