Manchester season ticket

[Merseysider]

In a couple of days I'm gonna need a season between Mauldeth Road and Salford Central. I've asked Northern on Twitter but they haven't got a clue.

Mauldeth Road will be unstaffed at the time I travel (it's only open 7am - 1pm or something like that) so I presume I'm okay to buy a season onboard. I think guards can only sell 7ds but that won't be a problem. Last time I bought one (with Merseyrail) I had to fill out a form - will I need to do that?

Or is a passport style photo the only thing I'll need and the guard can do the rest? I've heard talk about needing a photocard beforehand. Any advice appreciated.

 

[Timster83]

You'll need a photocard as when the season ticket is issued, it's tied to your photocard number (which is printed onto it).

I usually renew my season ticket the afternoon before I need it and then it's issued from the next day (Scotrail - not sure how Northern handle this).

 

[Merseysider]

You'll need a photocard as when the season ticket is issued, it's tied to your photocard number (which is printed onto it).

I usually renew my season ticket the afternoon before I need it and then it's issued from the next day (Scotrail - not sure how Northern handle this).

Okay, thanks for the response. How would I get hold of a photocard though if my station is unstaffed? I'm thinking I'd need to go to the station while it's open (difficult but possible) or take a trip to Man Picc. But once I've got hold of a photocard I can just renew each week onboard right?

 

[maniacmartin]

The same photocard can be used for future tickets. If you have a passport photo, some guards may be able to issue a photocard on board - its just filled in with a pen. But I don't think thats official policy

 

[button_boxer]

Okay, thanks for the response. How would I get hold of a photocard though if my station is unstaffed? I'm thinking I'd need to go to the station while it's open (difficult but possible) or take a trip to Man Picc. But once I've got hold of a photocard I can just renew each week onboard right?

Yes, you need to get the photocard from a staffed station but once you have it you can buy weekly tickets from a machine or guard. Monthly or longer ones still have to come from a staffed station, but you can renew weeklies the day before (or on Friday to start on Monday) and monthlies the week before they expire so you could sort out your renewal at Salford or Piccadilly on the way home.

 

[Romilly]

This link to the National Rail Enquiries website gives the rules for when you can purchase a season ticket:

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/ticket_types/season_tickets.aspx

The rules depend on whether it's a first purchase, renewal with a break in continuity or renewal without a break, and on the season ticket's duration.

 

[PermitToTravel]

If you'd like to buy a ticket longer than onboard staff can issue they'll probably let you go to get it at Piccadilly when you change trains

 

[snail]

In a couple of days I'm gonna need a season between Mauldeth Road and Salford Central.

Have you thought about how you are going to get there? Salford Central is a 15 minute walk from Oxford Road (or there's the free bus service), which will be quicker than changing at Piccadilly and Salford Crescent. It would only save you 20p a week though.

 

[hidden]

Just to confirm that you will need a photocard already if purchasing on board (guards cannot issue photocards).

 

[Merseysider]

Thanks for all the replies people.

Have you thought about how you are going to get there? Salford Central is a 15 minute walk from Oxford Road (or there's the free bus service), which will be quicker than changing at Piccadilly and Salford Crescent. It would only save you 20p a week though.

I'll only be going to Salford Central once a week, (there's a place that does amazing pizza) but when I do go I walk from Oxford Road
The reason I chose Salford Central is it's valid via Crescent

Yes, you need to get the photocard from a staffed station but once you have it you can buy weekly tickets from a machine or guard. Monthly or longer ones still have to come from a staffed station, but you can renew weeklies the day before (or on Friday to start on Monday) and monthlies the week before they expire so you could sort out your renewal at Salford or Piccadilly on the way home.

Gotcha - I'll get the photocard tomorrow as that's free and sort the first season out onboard or at Picc.

I've read on the TFGM site that a season between any two stations is valid for unlimited weekend travel in Manchester - can anyone confirm if that's still the case? The website hasn't been updated to remove reference to Evening Returns so I wanted to check this wasn't out of date either.