We’re delighted to have been featured the press again this week after having shared our thoughts on possible effects of the upcoming Government acquisition of South Western Railways later this month.
In view of the foreseeable unpredictability this first nationalisation brings, it’s our opinion that businesses will increasingly be choosing a chauffeur driven car over first class rail travel. The costs of a single peak first class ticket is comparable with our service, but when 2 or more people are travelling together, a chauffeured service becomes an extremely cost effective option.
Published online today in the Hampshire Chronicle, you can read their full article about this on their website which is available here: https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/25156665.businesses-choose-private-drivers-trains/
We’ve also posted the copy from our original article below. You can also see an image below from an article featured in the Romsey Advertiser.
Needless to say, if we can be of service we’d be delighted to hear from you. We cater for individuals and also offer corporate account facilities for regular customers.
Hampshire chauffeur predicts businesses will turn to a private driver as Government takes over SWR trains
With the Government taking over South Western Railways later this month (May 25th), a Hampshire chauffeur company is saying more business clients will be choosing a chauffeur driven car rather than first class rail travel.
Steve Rogers, owner and director of CLASS Executive Cars, in Romsey, says it will be as a result of the railways becoming more expensive and more unpredictable, especially in view of SWR becoming the first train operator to be nationalised by the Labour Government. “I have no doubt people are getting nervous about the standard of service they might expect,” says Rogers.
With more than 40 years’ experience and fully licensed, CLASS has a range of premium chauffeur services for both private individuals and corporate clients. As well as executive travel, they include airport and cruise transfers, corporate hospitality and special events.
“The truth is a chauffeur driven car is no longer a luxury, “says Rogers. “Increasingly business clients are turning to us for value, speed and discretion. At peak times a first-class rail ticket between Southampton Central Station and London Waterloo can be approaching £200 when you include parking. At CLASS we charge from £55 per hour so when you add into the equation two, three of four executives the rail cost can escalate to £800. At that point a chauffeur driven car becomes extremely cost effective. In addition, rather than being in an open carriage, managers can hold confidential meetings in the privacy of a luxury vehicle, which is a huge advantage.”
“And while the express train service is undoubtedly quick at 1hr 20 minutes from Southampton Central to Waterloo you cannot ignore that you have to get to the station in the first instance along with a taxi to the final destination. At CLASS we offer a door-to-door service which takes all the hassle and inconvenience out of public transport. For example, we can pick a client up from their home and be in central London in around two hours – and it’s all productive time. No waiting around, no trains being late or cancelled. It’s the perfect alternative.”
Jeremy Asher director of Romsey based Martock Diesel Services Ltd, said: “I use the train but the fact is I can travel to London and indeed further afield in a chauffeur driven executive car and make good use of the travel time by working in complete privacy. More than that, the service on offer is door to door so I’m not wasting valuable time and money traveling to and from a station and finding a place to park and all that entails. In my opinion a chauffeur driven executive car is terrific value for money particularly when I’m travelling with colleagues.”
As the business founder, Mr Rogers has enjoyed a stellar career. A police trained driver, he has had some fascinating assignments at home and abroad. Last year he had a spell of driving international rocks artists like Green Day and Nile Rodgers and regularly meets leaders of industry as their private jets land at Farnborough Airport. In 2022 he chauffeured senior UEFA officials in England for the UEFA Women’s Championship which saw the Lionesses beat Germany 2-1 in the final at Wembley.
In 2021 he was a driver for, among others, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic who were playing the Laver Cup at the O2 in London.
Rogers, who also lists the major cruise companies as clients, operates locally, nationally and internationally. His aim is to address a gap in the market for people who need a reliable and cost-effective driver for business and social engagements.
(Image supplied is a photo of Steve Rogers of Class Executive Cars outside Southampton train station.)
As Seen in the Romsey Advertiser
