off peak ticket restrictions

spencernash

Hi. I need a little help please

I commute from Tunbridge wells to London once a week at peak times one way (coach back)

A peak single at 7.16am (Tunbridge Wells to London) costs £20.60.

However an off-peak return leaving London at 0.15am and 'returning' back to London at 7.16am costs less and according to National Rail is a valid journey at £14.90.

Is this correct? Can I not use the outbound and use just the return part anytime?? I guess a ticket inspector would question this?

dzug1

That appears to be valid

yorkie2

spencernash wrote: »

However an off-peak return leaving London at 0.15am and 'returning' back to London at 7.16am costs less and according to National Rail is a valid journey at £14.90.

Almost. An Off Peak Return (SVR) is "Not valid on trains timed todepart_after 04:29 and before 09:30" and valid to return within a calendar month.

The fare you quote is a Super Off Peak Day Return (SRR)

spencernash wrote: »

Is this correct?

Your interpretation of the actual restriction is correct.

The implementation by Southeastern's pricing manager (last I heard this was a vacant position, but maybe they've filled it by someone competent now who can 'fix' issues like this) is, however, incorrect and a 'loophole'.

Until they fix this loophole, it is permissible to do as you suggest.

spencernash wrote: »

Can I not use the outbound and use just the return part anytime?? I guess a ticket inspector would question this?

There is no compulsion to use the outward or return portion of a return ticket.

If just using the outward portion, the return portion must be retained throughout the journey (as the outward is not valid without the accompanying return portion).

However in your case you are just using the return portion, so the outward can legitimately be immediately discarded.

What I would do is book the fare online, specifically on the Southeastern website, and obtain an itinerary for the 0015 train outward and the 0716 train on the return, print off and bring the itinerary with you. (The printed itinerary will also show your collection reference number which you need to insert into the machine, along with a credit/debit card, to collect the ticket).

Obviously this is not intentional and is a clear mistake, and this will no doubt be fixed when they spot the error (which may be quite soon as it's been posted on a publicly visible website)

nomoneytoday

Can you collect the ticket after 0015 and from Tonbridge, or do you need to collect it in advance from London?

wealdroam

nomoneytoday wrote: »

Can you collect the ticket after 0015 and from Tonbridge, or do you need to collect it in advance from London?

It can be bought online and collected from wherever the purchaser wishes - assuming there is a suitable ticket machine there - in advance or on the day of travel.