Red Spotted Hanky

SecondLife

I bought 12 weeks in advance 2 train tickets using a Disabled Persons railcard to Gatwick and return, with only one change after researching the facilities at the change station. At the weekend I went online to print out the timetable to take with me only to discover that my return journey has changed now necessitates 3 changes and, what they say is, a 21 minute walk and a change via London.

I have contacted Red Spotted Hanky and basically they say it is nothing to do with them. What I am left with are two tickets that state "not valid via London" and a disabled person trying to do "21 minute" walk with suitcases.

Any advice would be appreciated please.

Livingthedream

Can you provide us with a few more details; ie your start station, date and time of the train that's now need 3 changes.

Hopefully with this info, we'll be able to help better.

SecondLife

departing Crewkerne, Somerset to Gatwick via Clapham Junction on the 12 December, returning Gatwick Airport to Crewkerne on the 27 December. It is the return journey causing the problem as they now say we will have to go to London Bridge then train to London Waterloo East then walk to London Waterloo. Of course my tickets states "no travel via London"

The_ICT_Engineer

Having checked, There is Engineering work between Battersea Park and Streatham Common on that date, That's why you have been routed via Waterloo, as no trains from Gatwick will be calling at Clapham Junction. Your ticket would therefore should be valid via this route.
As for the walk between East and Main Waterloo, it is only 5 mins between stations, When you get on at Gatwick ensure that you are in the 2nd carriage from the front, so that you are by the ramp when you arrive.

yangptangkipperbang

This may not help you, but it is important that you do give correct and complete details.

It isn't 3 changes, it is 2. London Bridge (probably same platform) and Waterloo.
Waterloo East to Waterloo isn't a 21 min walk, it is a slow 5 min amble.

You still haven't given the times, trains will vary according to the time of day.

Having had a general look at the timetable, I would hazard a guess and say that engineering works have brought this about.
Red Spotted Hanky are quite correct to say "it is nothing to do with them" - that is why I would always say to buy your tickets from a Train Operating Company, ideally the one you are going to travel on.
The only route shown on the 27th Dec to Clapham Jct is via Waterloo - without taking some circuitous route which you would be charged extra for.

Try 'phoning SWT at Waterloo to see if they can provide some assistance with the transfer.
Good luck !