Let's revisit some points about fares and service types
#TrainTwitter
-
-
Those train interiors might be for a local, a rapid, an express...the service type, like I said, can vary.
-
The common factors are: - trips aren't very long (people can stand for the duration) - some trips may be very crowded
-
This is a train with mixed seating: most seats are unreserved (pics 1 and 3), but some require a reservation (pics 2 and 4).pic.twitter.com/Aptqz6EOng
-
Forward-facing seats suggest that smaller crowds are expected (less standing room needed), or longer trips (harder to stand), or both
-
However, even tho all seats pictured are forward-facing, you can still see a difference in comfort--the reserved seats are nicer, b/c more $
-
Reserved vs unreserved seats on the Tokaido Line in Tokyo. This line is busy enough that the unreserved seats are side-facing instead.pic.twitter.com/DQ4ikNJOam
-
So, let's recap. You can't ride *any* train without paying the base fare--that's what gets you from A to B...
-
...but if that's the *only* fare you've paid, you can't get from A to B on an all-reserved train, or in a reserved seat on a mixed train.
-
If you pay the base fare and reserve a seat, but then ride a "no-reserved-seats" train, you won't be turned away--but you will have wasted $
-
Now let's look at fancier trains--these are limited expresses; flagship trains with a superior riding experience.pic.twitter.com/gNDOOz19l9
-
Generally, all seats are reserved on such trains--but even ones which have unreserved seats usually will not be usable with a base fare.
-
So, paying for a limited express = special base fare (based on distance) + seat fare (based on travel time).
-
But wait, there's more! These are the sorts of trains where you'll find first class sections--that's an additional seat fare.
-
Compare regular (pic 2) with "super" seats (pics 3-4) here. Paying for the latter = special base fare + seat fare + first class fare.pic.twitter.com/8jhdsxDOwy
-
What about high-speed trains? Base fare + high speed fare = unreserved seat between A and B via high speed rail.
-
Base fare + high speed fare + seat fare = reserved seat, etc. Pay another surcharge for first class, etc.pic.twitter.com/n5Km06qaox
-
Overnight trains are usually classed as "limited express," so: special base fare + seat fare = overnight trip in coach...
-
...or, special base fare + bed fare = overnight trip in a bed, OR, special base fare + suite fare = overnight trip in a suite...etc etcpic.twitter.com/Yq92UlajHx
-
What about novelty trains like this? Depends--are they charter or not? If not, then they're probably limited express, and those fares apply.pic.twitter.com/DEddMB6kTw
-
But if they're charter--like this one--then it's a special case. You're not traveling to *get somewhere* anymore, but for the fun of it.pic.twitter.com/uuDxDnGe40
-
Since you're just riding for the experience, your fare isn't based on distance or travel time--those are both givens in this equation.
-
You pay a base fare which covers the cost of the excursion, and you may pay extra for a special kind of seat, meal, or other extra service.
End of conversation
New conversation -
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.