Virgin Trains East Coast ‘working on’ online cycle reservations

Virgin Trains East Coast (VTEC) says it is working on online bike reservations after cyclists expressed concern that the beta version of its new website no longer featured the option.

VTEC has generally been considered one of the more cyclist-friendly train operators. Bikes can be carried free of charge on all of its services, provided there’s space, and it also accepts bike trailers.

Previously, the firm’s website allowed customers to book bike spaces online, but in recent weeks a beta version of a new website has come up as an option when buying a ticket.

This new version does not let customers book bike spaces and we’ve heard from road.cc readers who have expressed concern that this might signal a change in policy.

A VTEC spokesman told us: “Our new website is currently under development and available only as a beta version prior to the launch of the full site later this year. Customers are currently given the choice to use this beta version if they wish. This beta version does not currently provide the facility for cycle reservations but we are working on this.

“If customers experience any issues reserving spaces via the website, they can call our customer service team or speak to one of our colleagues at a station who will be able to help them.”