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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 4, Issue 1 (May 1, 1929)

Passenger Classification

Passenger Classification.

Passenger classifications in Europe have always been something of a puzzle. Here, at Home, two classes—first and third—are usual. Second class is now only employed to a very limited extent in certain suburban services. The British third-class is well known as providing a high standard of comfort, and the time is not far distant when the so-styled first-class will disappear, at any rate on all but the more important main line trains, where a Pullman surcharge will probably take the place of the additional fee at present levied for first-class accommodation.

Across the Channel, four classes of accommodation are often placed at the disposal of the traveller by rail, the fares graduating according to the degree of comfort provided. Extra charges, also, are levied in most instances for travel by fast train. Simplification of passenger classification is at present being aimed at in many lands, Germany being a leader in this endeavour. The German third and fourth classes have now been merged into a new third class. The second class provides accommodation similar to the British third class, and the first class covers luxury cars. The mileage rates of the three German classes, beginning with the cheapest class, are in the following ratio:—1:1.5:3. In other Continental countries the proportion of the fares of the most expensive class and those of the cheapest class varies, in general, between 2 and 2.5. Three main categories of passenger train are to-day operated in Germany, these being known respectively as fast trains (Schnellzuge), through trains (Eilzuge), and slow trains (Personenzuge).

The Central Station, at Warsaw, Poland, where this year's European Timetable Conference will meet.

The Central Station, at Warsaw, Poland, where this year's European Timetable Conference will meet.