Engineering works in South West on Saturday?

lufcgirl

I've been online for some time looking for tickets from Newcastle to Exeter on Saturday returning on Sunday. It looks like theres some engineering works down that way because everytime I search it's throwing up changes in London, where I usually get a direct train. I've tried their website and calling customer services, but they say they have no knowledge of any works.
The problem is, going through London adds two changes and an extra £15 on top of an already pricey journey!

Anyone know anything about this or why it seems to be the only option?

yorkshirecath

It's Crosscountry trains who usually operate direct trains to Exeter from Newcastle.
According to national Rail there are engineering works between Sheffield and Derby meaning a bus replacement service. This is why the timetable is probably throwing up changing in london. They should be able to book you a ticket over the fone, it just means you'll have to change at Sheffield and again at Derby. This is for both days by the way.

yorkshirecath

Also if you put via Sheffield in the advanced options it does do it and show you the bus changes.

lufcgirl

Ah that'll be why then. Sorry it just gave no information online about anything. Thanks very much for the info

yorkshirecath

thats the problem with train operating companies. All the engineering works is imputed by a different department from those selling the tickets. It's a clear lack of communication.
Hope you get sorted