Off Peak Travelcard from Stoke-on-trent

[Trainfan344]

I am looking at doing the meet to photograph the Buffer Puffer railtour, would it be valid to do Stoke-on-trent to Stafford, Stafford to Watford Junction and Watford Junction to Wembley Central on the travelcard or would I have to go into Euston first?

 

[yorkie]

A Travelcard would be valid in the way you describe, however Virgin have their own product which they call a Travelcard but they claim is a different product, which is is the same as a Travelcard except the outward journey is valid by the "booked train only" ie, considered to be an Advance single for that leg!

According to the definitive source of information for all Train Companies, NRE:

"Ticket terms and conditions are now the same across all train companies nationwide, so you know exactly where you stand."

" The new names describe when you can buy or use a ticket making, it easier for you to buy the best value ticket for your journey"

It is unclear, therefore, whether Virgin's different T&Cs apply or not. You may want to consult your solicitor before making a decision...!

 

[30907]

With the VT Saturday Day Travelcard, assuming you can book Stoke-Stafford-London in the first place (which I don't know), and assuming you could alight at Watford without trouble, the ticket is VT only outside Zones 1-6, so Watford-BZ6 isn't covered.

 

[LexyBoy]

From Stoke exists various Travelcard fares - OP could be referring to Virgin's good but misleadingly named product, or LM's Off Peak Day Travelcard priced £41.00.

The LM product does not permit break of journey on the outbound (usual disclaimers about requirement for this to be publicised apply). However if you're planning to get off to take photos from the station, this is not a break of journey in any case - BoJ requires the passenger to leave the station. You may take any LM train scheduled to arrive in "London Midland Terminals" (at a guess, London or Birmingham) at or after 1000 M-F, return from Euston at any time.

" The new names describe when you can buy or use a ticket making, it easier for you to buy the best value ticket for your journey"

Well, as it's a Super Off Peak ticket the OP doesn't have to decide until they want to travel:

Availability
Tickets can be bought in advance or immediately before travel.

 

[Searle]

Just an FYI, the last time I checked, passengers are not allowed on the LM/Southern platforms unless they're about to board/have just alighted from a train, so I wouldn't say it's a suitable station for taking photos.

 

[30907]

From Stoke exists various Travelcard fares - OP could be referring to Virgin's good but misleadingly named product, or LM's Off Peak Day Travelcard priced £41.00.

The LM product does not permit break of journey on the outbound (usual disclaimers about requirement for this to be publicised apply).

I assumed that changing at Stafford and Watford meant the OP was using VT, with the resulting problem I have flagged up.

With the LM version, they can change at MKCentral and Watford to reach Harrow and W, by which time they are in Zone 5 and can do what they like!

 

[Trainfan344]

Okay, new question, what is the cheapest way I can get to and from London and get around london, arriving at wembley central by 08:30?

 

[yorkie]

Okay, new question, what is the cheapest way I can get to and from London and get around london, arriving at wembley central by 08:30?

If you have a Travelcard, and are travelling on a weekend, then you are covered for all of Zones 1-6 already. (I Hope you enjoy our Buffer Puffer photography trip )

 

[matt]

You should be Ok arriving at Euston as it is very unlikely the first location to photograph the charter will be at Wembley.

 

[Trainfan344]

If you have a Travelcard, and are travelling on a weekend, then you are covered for all of Zones 1-6 already. (I Hope you enjoy our Buffer Puffer photography trip )

I can't get NRE to show the travelcard price for the 06:08 departure from Stoke on trent, I'm confused now.

 

[yorkie]

I can't get NRE to show the travelcard price for the 06:08 departure from Stoke on trent, I'm confused now.

I don't know if NRE shows that fare or not, but the Virgin Trains website does, but won't offer the 0608 for the reasons stated above - it appears to be "booked train only" (See brfares) on the outward portions, so booking engines won't offer it. Whether that's enforceable or legal or not is a debatable matter!

 

[Trainfan344]

Just got confirmation from Virgins twitter feed that I can use the travelcard on the 06:08 departure from Stoke on trent.

 

[matt]

I used this ticket last Saturday from Rugby. Whilst I was required to make a reservation to purchase the ticket no where on the ticket does it say only valid with reservations or similar. I was also not asked to show my reservation on the train.