Delayed train travel with Advance ticket via different operator?

Roy1234

I buy an advanced ticket from station A to station C, meaning only valid on the specified/timed services.  This involves changing at station B.  But the first leg of the journey, A to B, meets delays en route.  As a result, I arrive at B too late to catch the specified B to C train.

I'm entitled, I believe, to catch the next available train, the delay having not been my fault.  However both legs of my journey are with the same operator, with the word 'Only' after that operator's name.

The next available train from B to C is with a different train operator.  If I catch that train, is my ticket still valid, or should I await the next available train from my ticket's specified operator?

Emmia

Roy1234 said:

I buy an advanced ticket from station A to station C, meaning only valid on the specified/timed services.  This involves changing at station B.  But the first leg of the journey, A to B, meets delays en route.  As a result, I arrive at B too late to catch the specified B to C train.

I'm entitled, I believe, to catch the next available train, the delay having not been my fault.  However both legs of my journey are with the same operator, with the word 'Only' after that operator's name.

The next available train from B to C is with a different train operator.  If I catch that train, is my ticket still valid, or should I await the next available train from my ticket's specified operator?

I think you need to wait. This is the disadvantage of those tickets.

outtatune

I think @Emmia is right but if you ask https://www.railforums.co.uk/ there are industry experts there who can give you the definitive answer.

Grumpy_chap

I can't answer the OP's direct question, and it might depend upon specific ticket classes.

However, I did recently do a return trip from A to B (Operator 1) followed by B to C (Operator 2).  After returning home, I submitted delay repay claim, expecting a small amount based upon the local connecting A to B service.  The actual refund was 50% of the total return ticket cost, so it was worth claiming.

beckstar1975

I have a similar experience, and the competitor train company did honour the original ticket. I’ve also been allowed to get on later trains at London termini when I have been delayed from my house as long as I could show I had a ticket for the route and the delays were publicised.

i think it’s at discretion though so I did ask anyone and everyone at the station /on the train

Roy1234

beckstar1975 said:

I have a similar experience, and the competitor train company did honour the original ticket. I’ve also been allowed to get on later trains at London termini when I have been delayed from my house as long as I could show I had a ticket for the route and the delays were publicised.

i think it’s at discretion though so I did ask anyone and everyone at the station /on the train

Thanks for your input.  Although the thought that ticket validity is discretionary is worrying.  I travelled (without thinking) on the rival network for the second leg of that journey, and thankfully the ticket inspection was only cursory.  But on reflection realised I could have been challenged & fined.

Roy1234

To answer my own question for the benefit of others, having queried this on the suggested Rail Forum frequented by railway insiders, the answer appears to be essentially 'No' - I probably cannot use a different network for the delayed second leg.

I say probably because there 'might' be reciprocal arrangements between certain competing rail operators; The Passenger's Charter 'may' save the day, 'if' the delay in awaiting your own operator's next train is too long and staff are actually aware of it.  The only way to be sure is to queue up at customer services (with your suitcases) and seek their advice, if they even know, and preferably get their response in writing in case challenged, someone said.  By which time a train from the operator you can travel with has probably arrived anyway.

Let's hope Great British Railways one day ends this fragmented mess.