The Grand Central Railway Con

scotslass99

For some weeks now the Grand Central website has advertised 20% discount on fares to/from London Kings Cross and stations north of York. It states that no railcard discounts are available with this offer and excludes morning and evening specials. Seniors get 25% discount off fares, so I assumed that I would get a further 20% off. I bought my ticket on the train and when I mentioned the 20%discount the conductor said that due to the limitations of his hand-held ticket machine he could not give it, but I could claim a refund by writing to the company enclosing my ticket. I did so and received a letter saying that they would not reimburse me as the 20% discount is not available with any other offer. I emailed them pointing out that the advert was misleading but have not received a reply.

davemorton

Thinking your right, just to make it easier for people.....
Right now until 3 July, we are offering a fantastic 20% off all Grand Central tickets between London Kings Cross and Sunderland, Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe, Northallerton and Thirsk.
Better still, there is no need to buy tickets in advance and there are no connections. Simply hop on the train from your chosen departing station, sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.

• Travel to London or back for less than £40
• Save 20% off all tickets
• Buy on-board for the same price
• See more of London for less with 2 for 1 entry on selected attractions

You can purchase tickets online, from any train booking office and even on the day on board the train itself, all with 20% off!
So what are you waiting for?
Buy your ticket now >>



Terms and Conditions

*An Off Peak single ticket to London costs £39.20 in the Grand Central Seat Sale.
Offer: 20% off all Grand Central tickets in First and Standard class, Off Peak or Anytime, between London Kings Cross and Sunderland, Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe, Northallerton and Thirsk. Includes both adult and child fares. This offer is not permitted between York and London Kings Cross.
Dates: Tickets are available for sale from 16 May 2011 until 3 July 2011. Travel in either direction is available from 23 May. Outward travel must be made on or before 3 July and return travel can be made within one calendar month of the date of outward travel, e.g. a return ticket dated 3 July is valid for outward travel on 3 July and return travel may be made on any day until 2 August.
Tickets: Tickets are available to buy in advance and on-board. Tickets are valid on Grand Central rail services only.
Restrictions: This offer is not available between York and London Kings Cross in either direction. Origin or destination must include London Kings Cross. It is not available in conjunction with £15 Morning and Evening Specials.
Reservations: Reservations are not compulsory, but may be available.
Discounts: No railcard discounts are available with this offer.
Refunds: Normal refunds and exchanges will be permitted once the ticket is purchased.
London 2FOR1: To take advantage of the special offers on selected London attractions, visit London 2FOR1 for more details before you travel.

TimothyEBaldwin

I suggest you take this matter to Passenger Focus, the statutory watchdog.

Livingthedream

I think their trying to worm out of giving you a refund here, do as TimothyEbaldwin says and write a letter of complaint to Passenger focus, enclose your letter that you got from Grand Central and enclose copies of your tickets, don't send originals yet, also send a copy back to Grand Central.

Passenger Focus
FREEPOST (RRRE-ETTC-LEET)
PO BOX 4257
Manchester
M60 3AR

Discodave

Why should you expect a refund?

what are you trying to claim for?

You should have paid <> £32 (£40 - 20% = 8£ = £32). You cant use railcards or anything else in conjunction with this ofter.

What time were you travelling?

Livingthedream

Discodave wrote: »

Why should you expect a refund?

what are you trying to claim for?

You should have paid <> £32 (£40 - 20% = 8£ = £32). You cant use railcards or anything else in conjunction with this ofter.

What time were you travelling?

It doesn't say that, On Grand Central Trains, seniors are entitled to a 25% discount on tickets without any railcards. The promotions states;

quote;

Discounts: No railcard discounts are available with this offer.

But it doesn't say anything about not allowing the 25% discount, so as the OP bought the ticket on the train they are entitled to; Standard Ticket Price* - 25% (senior discount) - 20% (promo discount)

*Price of an non-discounted Grand Central Off Peak/Anytime ticket from OP's start station to London.