Accidentally over-travelling

[PeterC]

I have come pretty close a few times by dozing off and not waking up until the doors open at my destination and over running a couple of timesafter waking up as they closed.

Once got on totally the wrong train by mistake through not paying attention when it was at my expected train's usual platform. That was all within the Oyster zones so no ticketing issue though.

Never sure if it was incorrectly announced or I mis-heard but in an evening of disruption at LST many years ago I did jump on a Chelmsford train instead of a Southend one. I can't remember what happened at the barrier but I left the station (before mobiles) and phoned SWMBO to pick me up.

I did once see a route branded bus about to depart from Aylesbury bus station and jumped on without going round the front and checking the actual destination. Just slapped my pass on the reader and as we got into the suburbs I realised that whatever it said on the side it wasn't going towards Watford.

 

[D841 Roebuck]

Not there myself, but this allegedly happened to a former colleague in the early 1980s:
1. Working in Manchester, living in Stockport, had several pints after work.
2. Got the Euston train to Stockport, overdossed and ended up in Wembley carriage sidings.
3. Rang work to explain and book a.day's leave.
4. .Leave.granted, got himself back to Central London.
5. Decided to get in touch with London based mates
6. Had several pints with them.
7. Went to Euston for the train home
8. Woke next morning in Polmadie Carriage Sidings...

 

[Wookiee]

A work colleague of mine was travelling home from Croydon to Portsmouth after a night out. Having missed the last direct train, he had to go via Clapham and the Portsmouth direct line - sadly, he fell asleep on the train to Clapham (Victoria) and woke up just outside Eastbourne at midnight, having travelled all the way into London and back out again! Premier Inn to the rescue...

 

[Deerfold]

A work colleague of mine was travelling home from Croydon to Portsmouth after a night out. Having missed the last direct train, he had to go via Clapham and the Portsmouth direct line - sadly, he fell asleep on the train to Clapham (Victoria) and woke up just outside Eastbourne at midnight, having travelled all the way into London and back out again! Premier Inn to the rescue...

The furthest I know someone doing that was on the 2330 from Kings Cross. They wanted Newark. They woke up at Leeds at about 0200. They were allowed to travel back on the 0505 the next morning which gave them about an hour to get home and back to get the train to work in London the next day.

 

[fowler9]

The only one I can't really explain was Holyhead. I can't explain it since I had been out in Liverpool after work and live near West Allerton station. I think (And this is stretching it) that I saved time getting a London Midland train home to Parkway. Woke up in Crewe. For some reason I got on a Virgin train to Holyhead to stay warm as there was no where else and if I remember correctly the Virgin service wasn't leaving for a while (although that doesn't make sense). I woke up at Holyhead at stupid O'clock in the morning. Slept for a bit on the platform. I got the first train back east and told the guard as soon as she came around. She offered to endorse my ticket and I showed her my Merseytravel Trio. She told me she would get back to me and winked everytime she walked past. I got off off at Chester and told the staff what I had done, they just waived me on to the next Liverpool train. My little trip could have cost a lot of money but because of some very good staff it cost nothing.

 

[wimbledonpete]

Have seen a few people jump on my country-bound service at Ashford thinking it's the St Pancras service - especially if it comes in on platform 5. Guards have always been relaxed about telling them to change at Westenhanger or Folkestone to travel back.

 

[Tom B]

A few years ago on a diverted HST from King's X to Edinburgh via Carlisle, a couple of American tourists held tickets to Carlisle. Upon arrival, they stood next to the door and made no attempt to open it, the train moved off a couple of minutes later. Shortly afterwards, the guard sails through the carriage and is promptly at the receiving end of a tirade from the tourists to complain that nobody opened the door for them and demanding that the train be stopped and reversed back to Carlisle! The guard explained that it was their responsibility to open the door and get themselves off the train, but they were having none of it and got very animated. The guard explained very finally that they would have to travel to Edinburgh and catch another train back. Ignorant tourist is still shouting on about how ridiculous it is, and the guard snaps and charges them for two returns to Edinburgh...

 

[fowler9]

A few years ago on a diverted HST from King's X to Edinburgh via Carlisle, a couple of American tourists held tickets to Carlisle. Upon arrival, they stood next to the door and made no attempt to open it, the train moved off a couple of minutes later. Shortly afterwards, the guard sails through the carriage and is promptly at the receiving end of a tirade from the tourists to complain that nobody opened the door for them and demanding that the train be stopped and reversed back to Carlisle! The guard explained that it was their responsibility to open the door and get themselves off the train, but they were having none of it and got very animated. The guard explained very finally that they would have to travel to Edinburgh and catch another train back. Ignorant tourist is still shouting on about how ridiculous it is, and the guard snaps and charges them for two returns to Edinburgh...

Ha ha ha. Love it.

 

[Spamcan81]

Alcohol has a lot to answer for when comes to over travelling.
Returning from the Pig's Ear Beerfest some years ago and I awoke at Cambridge - should have detrained at Letchworth. As it was the last train of the day from KGX there was no return train until the first one of the next morning. Cue one very expensive taxi ride home.
A mate of mine was returning from the Cambridge Beerfest and fell asleep so instead of getting off at Hitchin he ended up at KGX ad was excessed fared.
Same year he was returning from the GBBF at Olympia and the next thing he remembers was being woke up by staff at KGX. "Where are you going mate?" "Hitchin" came the reply. Much laughter and "You've been through there twice already. You've been to Peterborough and back. Hurry over to Platform x, the last train's about to leave." No excess this time but a right ear bashing from his girlfriend when he finally got home.

 

[yorkie]

Note I said 'letter of the law' - meaning strict interpretation. The train they boarded ran to time, hence no delay repay is due.

No. They boarded a train that was advertised on the boards as calling at their destination. In reality, it did not, and therefore they arrived late. There is no prospect that such a defence "but the train was on time" could be used to attempt to justify a claim that it was the customers "fault".

 

[PeterC]

The guard explained that it was their responsibility to open the door and get themselves off the train, but they were having none of it and got very animated.

My first reaction was to think how dumb the tourists were. My second reaction was to think about the inside of the door on a Mk 3 coach. There is no handle just a blank plate, it isn't exactly intuitive that you have to open the window and lean out.

 

[Darandio]

My first reaction was to think how dumb the tourists were. My second reaction was to think about the inside of the door on a Mk 3 coach. There is no handle just a blank plate, it isn't exactly intuitive that you have to open the window and lean out.

There is quite clear signage though, with explicit instructions on how to open the door.

 

[najaB]

No. They boarded a train that was advertised on the boards as calling at their destination. In reality, it did not, and therefore they arrived late. There is no prospect that such a defence "but the train was on time" could be used to attempt to justify a claim that it was the customers "fault".

I suspect this is another case where we're going to argue about nothing. In my original post on this sub-topic I said that by the 'spirit of the law' they are entitled to compensation. I wouldn't expect any TOC to attempt to escape paying a claim were one to be made. However, boarding a different train to the one you want doesn't entitle you to delay repay regardless of why you did so unless you were expressly directed to do so by a member of staff.

Now, if you boarded the wrong train and it ran late that is a different matter...

 

[bb21]

Can you two please get a room and take it elsewhere?

 

[43096]

I was on a Project Rio service from Leicester, when two passengers got on and sat down. Guard comes round and asks for tickets. They produce tickets to Peterborough, having mistaken the Rio service for the following Cambridge train. Guard explains they'll have to change trains... but it's next stop Stockport!

 

[cjmillsnun]

I suspect this is another case where we're going to argue about nothing. In my original post on this sub-topic I said that by the 'spirit of the law' they are entitled to compensation. I wouldn't expect any TOC to attempt to escape paying a claim were one to be made. However, boarding a different train to the one you want doesn't entitle you to delay repay regardless of why you did so unless you were expressly directed to do so by a member of staff.

Now, if you boarded the wrong train and it ran late that is a different matter...

I would.. I nominate GTR to do such a thing.

 

[Phil.]

There is quite clear signage though, with explicit instructions on how to open the door.

In English. What trains on the European mainland is it necessary to open the door window, lean out and open the door from the outside - in the 21st century?

 

[Darandio]

In English. What trains on the European mainland is it necessary to open the door window, lean out and open the door from the outside - in the 21st century?

I've no idea.

But I fail to see what the European mainland has to do with the case in question, given they were American?

 

[Phil.]

I've no idea.

But I fail to see what the European mainland has to do with the case in question, given they were American?

Ah, I see I'll have to adopt the sledgehammer system.
Why can't you see the awkwardness of a yesteryear system that causes a passenger wishing to alight having to open the window on a train door, lean out - and it can be a big lean if you're a bit on the short side or elderly but still active(ish) - and push a handle down whilst trying not to get caught by the heavy door and be pulled over - I've seen this happen several times at a station with a left hand curve. It beggars belief that this system is still extanct in the 21st century and will continue to be so for several years yet whilst TOCs won't spend money on the solution. We know it can be done because Chiltern did it.
Americans often visit the European mainland before visiting this country. Sometimes it's the other way around.

 

[Deerfold]

Ah, I see I'll have to adopt the sledgehammer system.
Why can't you see the awkwardness of a yesteryear system that causes a passenger wishing to alight having to open the window on a train door, lean out - and it can be a big lean if you're a bit on the short side or elderly but still active(ish) - and push a handle down whilst trying not to get caught by the heavy door and be pulled over - I've seen this happen several times at a station with a left hand curve. It beggars belief that this system is still extanct in the 21st century and will continue to be so for several years yet whilst TOCs won't spend money on the solution. We know it can be done because Chiltern did it.
Americans often visit the European mainland before visiting this country. Sometimes it's the other way around.

Dandrio pointed out there were instructions on the door. You said they were in English. Although it would be friendly to include other languages, it doesn't seem unreasonable for an American to read am English sign - presumably they've seen an open door as they board. I can see why people may have problems, but standing doing nothing seems to be odd behaviour.

I don't think anyone was denying these doors can be awkward.

 

[70014IronDuke]

Not there myself, but this allegedly happened to a former colleague in the early 1980s:
1. Working in Manchester, living in Stockport, had several pints after work.
2. Got the Euston train to Stockport, overdossed and ended up in Wembley carriage sidings.
3. Rang work to explain and book a.day's leave.
4. .Leave.granted, got himself back to Central London.
5. Decided to get in touch with London based mates
6. Had several pints with them.
7. Went to Euston for the train home
8. Woke next morning in Polmadie Carriage Sidings...

that is absolutely hilarious!

I am quite amazed that I don't think I've ever overtravelled. This includes nights with a North-west weekly rover back in 1968 when I caught the overnight Glasgow-St Pancras sleeper at Carlisle and had to wake up at Skipton (to stay within the ticket boundary) at c 02.30, wait on the platform till 03.30 and catch the down sleeper back to Carlisle and alight at 05.30 or so ... I guess I must be a light sleeper!

 

[najaB]

It beggars belief that this system is still extanct in the 21st century and will continue to be so for several years yet whilst TOCs won't spend money on the solution.

Slam door Mk3s on the ECML and GWML are being replaced by Class 800s and the examples going to Scotrail are having power doors fitted. So I'm not quite sure what you're going on about.

 

[DeeGee]

I was kindly prevented from oversleeping on Sunday. Got on Cleethorpes train at Sheffield, had a snooze, group of ladies got on at Meadowhall. At Doncaster they were shouting "wake up wake up" to me as the train arrived in the station.

I wasn't getting off until Grimsby Town!

Still, an overcarry there isn't the end of the world.

 

[neilmc]

I was kindly prevented from oversleeping on Sunday. Got on Cleethorpes train at Sheffield, had a snooze, group of ladies got on at Meadowhall. At Doncaster they were shouting "wake up wake up" to me as the train arrived in the station.

I wasn't getting off until Grimsby Town!

Still, an overcarry there isn't the end of the world.

No, Cleethorpes is the end of the world!

 

[alex17595]

It has only happened to me once, I was going to Tutbury from Crewe after a trip on the Caledonian 'Not so much sleep'er. I woke up just after we left Tutbury. Not the end of the world as it only went as far a Derby, asked to go through the gate to buy a ticket because I fell asleep ect.
The person on the ticket counter was surprised that I asked for a ticket from Tutbury - Burton though! £5 odd lighter wallet but it saved me a few miles on the bike ride home.

 

[Puffing Devil]

No, Cleethorpes is the end of the world!

The last resort, literally.

 

[Essexman]

The only time I can recall being carried over wasn’t my fault, travelling on a Norwich to Liverpool Street train in the days when some used to stop at Shenfield. At Chelmsford the guard announced stops at Shenfield and Stratford but we went straight through Shenfield. At Stratford quite a few passengers got out and headed back to Shenfield. I got some compensation which I think was justified.

 

[theblackwatch]

I had an over-travelling incident yesterday due to falling asleep, although fortunately as I was on a £10 Johnston Press Northern ticket I had no validity issues. In my instance, I caught a train from Sheffield to Leeds where I should have alighted (where it terminated), but I failed to wake and continued on the unit's next working to Huddersfield, where I was woken up by another passenger. While accepting it is my own responsibility to wake up and alight and it was my own fault, I'm surprised I was just left to sleep after the train had terminated at Leeds - is there any official policy on whether staff should check a train on arrival at its destination?

 

[sheff1]

In my instance, I caught a train from Sheffield to Leeds where I should have alighted (where it terminated), but I failed to wake and continued on the unit's next working to Huddersfield, where I was woken up by another passenger. While accepting it is my own responsibility to wake up and alight and it was my own fault, I'm surprised I was just left to sleep after the train had terminated at Leeds - is there any official policy on whether staff should check a train on arrival at its destination?

Usually when I arrive at Leeds on terminating trains from Sheffield there are crowds on the platform waiting to board as soon as everyone has alighted (or before !). If none of those boarding think to wake you, then there is no way the staff would know you were not one of the boarders. If the unit is not forming a new service immediately, and the doors are going to be locked, I would expect staff to check and wake you up.

 

[Phil.]

Slam door Mk3s on the ECML and GWML are being replaced by Class 800s and the examples going to Scotrail are having power doors fitted. So I'm not quite sure what you're going on about.

I'm not going to repeat myself for someone who cannot properly read a post and fails to understand the perspective of someone who is not a regular user of trains. I'm not talking about the future, I'm talking about the here and now. In the 2005 future we were going to have modern electric trains whizzing up and down between London and Bristol in 2016.