how can I identify a HST(RIO) from a HST, and how do I find out in advance which is on my service(swan-padd)?

Question

I am travelling Sunday to reading and desperatly (thats the right phrase I believe), need not to be on a RIO because of lack of wheelchair toilet facilities.

Answer 1

Out of 50 HST sets there are only 5 rio sets. There is no way to tell what type will be on the service as the sets get reguarly swapped around (eg: a set might start the day on a Penzance to London, then run a Swansea service). All I can advise is that you contact First Great Western on 08457 000 125. They maybe able to contact the control office and find out where the Rio sets are.

The rio sets will be brought up to standard next year, at the moment some sets are being refurbished which will involve fitting new toilets. Every HST coach will be gutted and rebuilt and the powercars are getting new MTU Maybach engines

Answer 2

I thought RIO stood fo Rail Incident Officer.
Type in First Great Western in your search engine, you should find the answer there. As far as I am aware, all the London's from High Street are bog standard HST's.