Rail Travel: Tips on Cheap Tickets

Bogof_Babe

Thanks to john89001 too - I went to the last page of thread first so didn't spot your two posts until I turned back.

I don't know why the Southern site kept telling me a F&F card wasn't valid with the passenger combination I entered (tried with 3+2 and 2+2), maybe if I'd come out and started again it might have worked, or maybe the particular journey I was looking for didn't support this discount, although I thought the card was valid on all fares.

Oh well, without the card the fare for my friends came out at over £100 so they have decided to drive instead! They reckon they can do it for £15 diesel.

While I'm waffling (sorry ), I found out the other day that a local Merseyrail journey I do for £3.20 on an off peak day return costs £2.40 each way if I want to come back the next day, even though still in the off peak period. Is there any logic in this?

geordieracer

Bogof_Babe wrote: »

I'm shocked that people try to abuse the Advance ticket system, as the ticket clearly states that it is only to be used in conjunction with the numbered seat ticket, which is for a specific timed train.

.

Dont be shocked. You would be amazed at what people try to get away with then act all innocent when they get caught out.

John89001

Bogof_Babe wrote: »

I don't know why the Southern site kept telling me a F&F card wasn't valid with the passenger combination I entered (tried with 3+2 and 2+2), maybe if I'd come out and started again it might have worked, or maybe the particular journey I was looking for didn't support this discount, although I thought the card was valid on all fares.

The card is valid for most fares, but there are some, usually fares restricted to one train company, which don't offer railcard discount. For example, from my local station to London there are Advance single fares from £11 on which railcard discount applies, but there is also a £12.50 "E&M ticket" (Electronic & Mobile?) which offers no child or railcard discount. Sometimes, the £12.50 ticket is the cheapest available. Sometimes it's not.

Or perhaps the reason is the awkward way the Southern and East Coast sites make you enter the number of passengers. First, you need to enter the number of adult and child passengers. Then you tick the Railcard box. Then you need to enter the number of adult and child passengers for whom railcard discount will apply on this journey. This is usually, but not always, the same as the numbers first entered. For example, if return tickets were being purchased and one of your adults intended to return separately from the family group, then that adult would not be eligible for railcard discount and you would enter 3+2 in the first set of boxes but 2+2 in the last. The numbers in the first boxes must be not less than the numbers in the last boxes, otherwise the site tells you that the card isn't valid with the passenger combination entered.

Bogof_Babe wrote: »

I found out the other day that a local Merseyrail journey I do for £3.20 on an off peak day return costs £2.40 each way if I want to come back the next day, even though still in the off peak period. Is there any logic in this?

It's a fraud prevention measure and has existed since British Rail days, and maybe even since before nationalisation in 1948.

In a world before electronic ticket gates, it was very difficult to ensure that every ticket was checked and punched every day, particularly for short local journeys. To prevent tickets being used more than once, the validity of return tickets on journeys less than about 35 miles was restricted to one day. Passengers returning on a different day had to buy 2 singles. This historic legacy continues into the electronic age.

Bogof_Babe

Thanks again John, all that info and I can only give you one thanks lol - you should have posted it in two parts!

I was just embarrassed returning from said day trip that I make regularly. I know Advance tickets seldom work on the electronic barriers, but day returns usually do. Not today - I put it in twice and it just popped out again and the barrier stayed shut. I was told to go through the manual ticket checking gate, which I did, handing my ticket over to the inspector and walking on.

However she called me back, "just a minute luv" or something. I was feeling quite conspicuous by then and there were loads of people around. So she looked at my ticket, said "oh, okay" and waved me away again :rolleyes:.

I must have looked like a fraudster today I suppose :cool:. Didn't even have my balaclava on either!

becky_rtw

Hey guys - just a quick q? Are all train companies now charging to reserve a seat - East are trying to charge me £2.50 each way!!!!

Any others who dont who dont charge for cards either would be good please - I travel to Leeds every other weekend I dont need an extra £5 on each trip but I dont want to sit on the floor either

dzug1

becky_rtw wrote: »

Hey guys - just a quick q? Are all train companies now charging to reserve a seat - East are trying to charge me £2.50 each way!!!!

Any others who dont who dont charge for cards either would be good please - I travel to Leeds every other weekend I dont need an extra £5 on each trip but I dont want to sit on the floor either

You will pay for a seat on an East train - regardless of who you book the ticket with. It relates to the train, not the booking agency. There are one or two exceptions - I think with advance singles it's included in the fare for example

becky_rtw

Cheeky beggers - its like low cost airlines!!!

Ah well have found some singles that require tickets so they cant charge for booking mwhahahaha

Thanks for the info

alextwilson

Hey hey.

Peterborough to Cardiff on the 19th December. Need to leave early in the morning.

I have a YP railcard.

geordieracer

just had a look and its £56 for a single not going via london.

Bogof_Babe

There's a £18.30 (with railcard) Advance single if you can set out at 4.12 a.m., arrives 9.48 a.m. (Found on the Eastcoast website).