Breaking a journey at Inverness Station

[les.]

I understand that Inverness station has recently had ticket barriers fitted.

When I travel up from Edinburgh to Kyle Of Lochalsh (via Inverness) my train arrives into Inverness at 11:57 but my onward connection does not leave until 13:35.

Does anyone know if I will be allowed to leave the station to grab a spot of lunch as I don't really feel like hanging around on the station for over an hour and a half.

As far as I know you are not allowed to leave the station on connecting journeys but surely they should allow it on occasions when there is a lengthy wait for your connection.

 

[bb21]

What ticket(s) do you hold?

 

[Bletchleyite]

As far as I know you are not allowed to leave the station on connecting journeys but surely they should allow it on occasions when there is a lengthy wait for your connection.

I have never, ever heard of this kind of "break of journey" being refused on any ticket type, whether officially being permitted for that ticket type or not.

Indeed, knowing what I do about the Inverness layout, you will be expected to pass through barriers on arrival and wait on the concourse, then pass through again when your train is called. This is true of most termini. There will not be revenue squads standing at the exit doors checking if you pop out to the chippy or pub.

Neil

 

[Merseysider]

I understand that Inverness station has recently had ticket barriers fitted.

When I travel up from Edinburgh to Kyle Of Lochalsh (via Inverness) my train arrives into Inverness at 11:57 but my onward connection does not leave until 13:35.

Does anyone know if I will be allowed to leave the station to grab a spot of lunch as I don't really feel like hanging around on the station for over an hour and a half.

As far as I know you are not allowed to leave the station on connecting journeys but surely they should allow it on occasions when there is a lengthy wait for your connection.

Are you using Advance, Off-Peak or Anytime tickets?
Generally speaking, on Advance tickets, staff will be reasonable and allow one out of the station if the interchange is particularly long.

 

[les.]

What ticket(s) do you hold?

An advance purchase single from Edinburgh Waverley to Kyle of Lochalsh (fantastic value btw) with reserved seats on the 08:33 from Waverley and 13:35 from Inverness.

 

[bb21]

Officially speaking you are not permitted to break your journey on an Advance ticket, however using station facilities, such as going into W H Smith, for example, is not considered a break of journey, but you should not leave station premises.

That said, as Neil mentioned, I would expect staff to allow you out of the gates to grab a bite to eat, and I really cannot see anyone chasing you down Academy Street if you needed to nip into a bakers or get a quick pint somewhere.

 

[najaB]

As far as I know you are not allowed to leave the station on connecting journeys but surely they should allow it on occasions when there is a lengthy wait for your connection.

Technically, you aren't supposed to leave railway property when travelling on an Advance ticket as the terms don't allow break of journey. However, I would be extremely surprised if you had any bother at all doing this.

 

[les.]

Officially speaking you are not permitted to break your journey on an Advance ticket, however using station facilities, such as going into W H Smith, for example, is not considered a break of journey, but you should not leave station premises.

That said, as Neil mentioned, I would expect staff to allow you out of the gates to grab a bite to eat, and I really cannot see anyone chasing you down Academy Street if you needed to nip into a bakers or get a quick pint somewhere.

Thanks. I suppose it's whether I get a jobsworth or not, as I wouldn't think that the actual ticket barriers at Inverness would allow me out.

 

[najaB]

Thanks. I suppose it's whether I get a jobsworth or not, as I wouldn't think that the actual ticket barriers at Inverness would allow me out.

The barriers/staff have to let you through as none of the station facilities are platform side - I don't think there is even a bench.

 

[Hadders]

I'm sure you won't have a problem with the staff at Inverness. I wouldn't anticipate it being a problem, even if you've got an Advance ticket.

 

[Greenback]

I don't think you will encounter any problems at all.

 

[Liam]

Having done a similar journey many times (Kirkcaldy-Kyle and v/v) I have never once sat around the station twiddling my thumbs for 90 minutes. I always head off to the shops for supplies, a walk down the river or a pub for a couple of jars and a bite to eat. That's why I get the earlier train. I've not been stopped when exiting the station yet.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Thanks. I suppose it's whether I get a jobsworth or not, as I wouldn't think that the actual ticket barriers at Inverness would allow me out.

I can't find a picture of the actual layout, but if it is as I expect (certainly it was in the days of manual barriering) you will be *required* to pass through the barriers on arrival and wait on the concourse for the next train. There will be no barriers or other inhibition of your progress between there and the station exit door.

It is quite possible that your ticket *will* work them.

Neil

 

[les.]

Having done a similar journey many times (Kirkcaldy-Kyle and v/v) I have never once sat around the station twiddling my thumbs for 90 minutes. I always head off to the shops for supplies, a walk down the river or a pub for a couple of jars and a bite to eat. That's why I get the earlier train. I've not been stopped when exiting the station yet.

Thanks Liam. I didn't really fancy sitting around on the station for 90 minutes.

 

[Agent_c]

Thanks. I suppose it's whether I get a jobsworth or not..

My experience of Scotrail staff is they're generally very laid back, the further you are from Waverely/Queen Street, the more laid back they tend to become.

That is of course, presuming you can find a staffer in the Inverness Concourse...

 

[najaB]

That is of course, presuming you can find a staffer in the Inverness Concourse...

Every time I've passed through since the barriers went in there's someone around.

 

[yorkie]

Thanks. I suppose it's whether I get a jobsworth or not, as I wouldn't think that the actual ticket barriers at Inverness would allow me out.

The staff would obviously allow you through the gateline to use station facilities.

Whether or not a "jobsworth" (a person who "insists on adhering to rules and regulations or bureaucratic procedures even at the expense of common sense") could enforce the no break of journey restriction is extremely dubious, as they'd have to follow you to see if you remained within the station building. This may conflict with the likely requirement of their job to actually be positioned at the gateline. This is more problematic at larger stations (e.g. Leeds, Glasgow Central, etc where the passenger could have a meal at a pub within the station), while at some small stations, where the gateline is adjacent to the exit, it might actually be easy to enforce.

Nevertheless, we cannot recommend that you leave station premises without obtaining permission from staff.

 

[455driver]

Thanks. I suppose it's whether I get a jobsworth or not, as I wouldn't think that the actual ticket barriers at Inverness would allow me out.

Feel better for getting that one in do you? :roll:
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Thanks Liam. I didn't really fancy sitting around on the station for 90 minutes.

Here is hoping the person who is manning the gateline at the time reads this thread and makes you stick to the rules of your ticket!

 

[les.]

Feel better for getting that one in do you? :roll:
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Here is hoping the person who is manning the gateline at the time reads this thread and makes you stick to the rules of your ticket!

Blimey, it was a lighthearted remark and there wasn't any offence meant at all, and I'm sure you will admit that you will get at least one jobsworth in just about every line of business.

 

[DaveNewcastle]

I agree that there will be no difficulty in passing the time on the other side of the barriers - and you'd have to go through to find out what platform will be leaving from.

I also agree that if you refer to anyone staffing the barriers as 'a jobsworth', then you might just earn yourself a very special kind of Highland hospitality - in the cold on the platforms for an hour.

 

[yorkie]

Wasn't any offence meant at all but I'm sure you will admit that you will get at least one jobsworth in just about every line of business.

True, but on the railways that small minority can generally be found at the opposite end of the Highland Chieftain route

 

[les.]

True, but on the railways that small minority can generally be found at the opposite end of the Highland Chieftain route

Fair enough. No offence was intended and if anyone was then I apologise.

 

[cf111]

Ignore this, lapse of the old brain!

 

[Bodiddly]

Fair enough. No offence was intended and if anyone was then I apologise.

Never you mind Les, don't listen to the grumpy railwaymen.
The barrier staff at Sneckie are a good bunch. There is absolutely no way you will be held in the station like an asylum seeker! You would be required to go through the barriers and onto the main concourse anyway. Mention to the staff what you are planning on doing if it makes you feel better but they couldn't care less.

 

[Statto]

Looking at the Inverness station map on National Rail site, there is a bar inside the station[might be a bit pricy] but worth a visit whilst you wait for the connecting train.