Train refunds question

Legacy_user

Hi Everyone,

Quick question. I recently changed jobs and now have the joy of a daily merseyrail commute. For several months I used the automated ticket machine and paid £6.20 a day. (No other option)

When it came to selection, I just chose any available route, because on Merseyrail, there is only route.

It wasn't until someone showed me a cheaper fair, going via Birkenhead at £4.20 I got annoyed.

I wrote to Merseyrail complaining and they told me that the £4.20 fare was "invalid" If so why had it been available for several months and I hadn't had any issues with the ticket inspector. The invalid bit came from the MD of Merseyrail.

They refuse to refund me the money for the tickets. It amounts to over £150 in overpayments.

I was prepared to let it go, but I recently had to temporarily move to another location and I went to the ticket machine and it wanted £8 something for the fare.

Go to the desk people and its £6.40. It seems that the pricing is all over the shop so to speak.

Just after peoples thoughts, because I am not really the type of person to leave things alone....

Small claims court is my next thought.

yorkie2

Merseyrail have done various acts, which are what believe people could reasonably could consider 'scams' recently. There have been various topics on the Fares, Ticketing & Routeing section of Railforums.co.uk in particular see this topic

http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=39394

nedchester wrote: »

Just popped in to Liverpool from my local station (Capenhurst)

Went to the TVM and looked at the options for Liverpool. The only return ticket offered was £6.20 Anytime return!!! According to NFM07 there is a £4.80 Anytime (route any permitted) whereas the £6.20 is route Birkenhead (not sure why this ticket exists)

Now obviously I didn't get either as I searched on the machine to find the Day Saver ticket at £4.40.

So basically an unsuspecting punter at Capenhurst not only gets ripped off by not knowing about the day saver but also ripped off by being charged £1.40 extra when they don't need to even at peak times.

Not good.

The member "First class" on there works for Merseyrail and has tipped us off several times about some of the bad tactics they are using.

Note the ideas for action on page 2. I suggest contacting Merseyrail, Passenger Focus, the DfT and your MP - is your MP Louise Ellman, Wavertree (the chair of the Transport Select Committee) ???

There are an increasing number of Miseryrail customers on that forum reporting various issues that they are unhappy about. They need to be dealt with. Good luck!

Mankysteve

You wont have a claim you agreed to price they offered at the time.

train fare are a pain in the backside. If you buy the cheaper via Birkenhead and the train you get doesn't go via Birkenhead then your opening yourself up to a penalty fare.

Train price structuring is rubbish, but that privatisation for ya.

yorkie2

Mankysteve wrote: »

You wont have a claim you agreed to price they offered at the time.

Not necessarily. If you are not offered the cheapest available fare, the Train Operating Company (TOC) may be in breach of the Ticketing & Settlement Agreement, compliance with this is mandatory for all franchise holders.

Mankysteve wrote: »

train fare are a pain in the backside. If you buy the cheaper via Birkenhead and the train you get doesn't go via Birkenhead then your opening yourself up to a penalty fare.

This is completely INCORRECT, what is your source for this please?

You CAN NOT be issued with a penalty fare for being off route (or various other circumstances such as travelling at a restricted time on a time-restricted ticket) the correct action is an excess fare, of HALF the DIFFERENCE between the fare paid and the correct routed fare, for a change of route in one direction.

Owain_Moneysaver

yorkie2 wrote: »

Not necessarily. If you are not offered the cheapest available fare, the Train Operating Company (TOC) may be in breach of the Ticketing & Settlement Agreement, compliance with this is mandatory for all franchise holders.

"Impartial Retailing" does not apply to Ticket Vending Machines and some other circumstances, and not all ticket counters at a station have to sell the full range of tickets - I think it's 51% that do.

dzug1

If the machine was capable of selling the cheapest ticket then I don't think you have a case.

Empty_pockets

Tip is always use the desk.

The guys as part of their job will find you the lowest fare.

The operators are trying to cut these jobs and replace with machines. This will work out more expensive for the customers and more profits for the operators.

You're unlikely to get a refund.