Apps now enforcing M-Tickets only?

[Cdd89]

I've noticed that, along with CrossCountry which always did this, other TTL-based apps like Greater Anglia and EMR are now not offering "collect from station" options where M-Tickets or Mobile Tickets are available.

Are there any TTL-based apps (I like the interface!) which don't do this, to anyone's knowledge? I'd prefer to use paper tickets than M-tickets for numerous reasons.

Thanks!

 

[Joe Paxton]

I've noticed that, along with CrossCountry which always did this, other TTL-based apps like Greater Anglia and EMR are now not offering "collect from station" options where M-Tickets or Mobile Tickets are available.

Are there any TTL-based apps (I like the interface!) which don't do this, to anyone's knowledge? I'd prefer to use paper tickets than M-tickets for numerous reasons.

I imagine, like it or not, that this is the way of the future. TOD has a cost to the retailer that e-tickets do not (e.g. see this post).

 

[alistairlees]

I imagine, like it or not, that this is the way of the future. TOD has a cost to the retailer that e-tickets do not (e.g. see this post).

There is a cost to both. The costs are different. Barcode is cheaper. And the cost structure is different.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Try the actual Trainline app, it doesn't seem to charge fees for the moment.

 

[Cdd89]

I had no idea Trainline had turned over a new leaf. Presumably this won’t last!

I did a bit of testing and found ScotRail also allow TOD collection with no fees.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I had no idea Trainline had turned over a new leaf. Presumably this won’t last!

I did a bit of testing and found ScotRail also allow TOD collection with no fees.

I doubt it's turning over a new leaf. It'll be to grow the user base then once it's big enough the fees will be whacked on and they will hope enough people stay, I reckon.

 

[yorkie]

I imagine, like it or not, that this is the way of the future. TOD has a cost to the retailer that e-tickets do not (e.g. see this post).

The future is neither TOD nor app based "m" tickets

The future is barcode based "e" tickets (which may optionally be printed and may optionally be shown in apps)

I advise against m tickets, which are tied to apps and require activation

 

[Wallsendmag]

The future is neither TOD nor app based "m" tickets

The future is barcode based "e" tickets (which may optionally be printed and may optionally be shown in apps)

I advise against m tickets, which are tied to apps and require activation

Indeed it is , the very near future

 

[Cdd89]

The future is neither TOD nor app based "m" tickets

The future is barcode based "e" tickets (which may optionally be printed and may optionally be shown in apps)

In fairness, it might have been e-tickets that GA were trying to push on me. I am not sure how rigorous they are with their nomenclature and I've been bitten before by using an M-Ticket with no right to BOJ, and since a TOD collection machine is practically outside my flat, I prefer that method!

 

[Bletchleyite]

In fairness, it might have been e-tickets that GA were trying to push on me. I am not sure how rigorous they are with their nomenclature and I've been bitten before by using an M-Ticket with no right to BOJ, and since a TOD collection machine is practically outside my flat, I prefer that method!

Unless the underlying ticket prohibits break of journey, it is also permitted on M and E-tickets.

 

[yorkie]

In fairness, it might have been e-tickets that GA were trying to push on me. I am not sure how rigorous they are with their nomenclature and I've been bitten before by using an M-Ticket with no right to BOJ, and since a TOD collection machine is practically outside my flat, I prefer that method!

I have heard through an industry source that someone at GA does not like e-tickets and wants people to use inconvenient m-tickets, so it is quite possible they are still pushing m-tickets, but I've not looked into it.

Unless the underlying ticket prohibits break of journey, it is also permitted on M and E-tickets.

True. But GA have attempted to breach the rules before, so it wouldn't surprise me if they were trying it on again. I personally would never buy any product from GA and would use another retailer.

 

[Wallsendmag]

I have heard through an industry source that someone at GA does not like e-tickets and wants people to use inconvenient m-tickets, so it is quite possible they are still pushing m-tickets, but I've not looked into it.

True. But GA have attempted to breach the rules before, so it wouldn't surprise me if they were trying it on again. I personally would never buy any product from GA and would use another retailer.

Strange as GA have agreed to all our e-Ticket flows being enabled. GA web sales are ofcourse handled by someone else.

 

[yorkie]

I don't think they can object to flows having e-tickets enabled, can they? My understanding is that e-tickets are going to be enabled for all point to point journeys, is that right?

Someone at GA doesn't like e-tickets and doesn't like customers buying Super Off Peak fares at ticket offices, but they can't actually stop such things

Some TOCs try all sorts of things on, even if they are not lawfully allowed to

 

[Wallsendmag]

I don't think they can object to flows having e-tickets enabled, can they? My understanding is that e-tickets are going to be enabled for all point to point journeys, is that right?

Someone at GA doesn't like e-tickets and doesn't like customers buying Super Off Peak fares at ticket offices, but they can't actually stop such things

Some TOCs try all sorts of things on, even if they are not lawfully allowed to

We have to obtain agreement from all affected ToCs

 

[yorkie]

But can TOCs really refuse? For now I can understand it may be a case of slowly phasing things in and having a gradual change, but they can't resist forever and say they are going to refuse to follow a new national standard, surely?

 

[Wallsendmag]

Or so you'd think

 

[CaptainHaddock]

I'm not sure why people feel the need to use fiddly and restrictive apps when you can simply visit the TOC website on your mobile (or desktop for that matter) and book tickets for collection at the station of your choice. aFaAIK all the major TOCs still allow this.

 

[infobleep]

Indeed it is , the very near future

Does that include tickets to stations in Central London?

When I wanted to purchase an e-ticket earlier in the year I found I couldn't.

 

[bspahh]

I'm not sure why people feel the need to use fiddly and restrictive apps when you can simply visit the TOC website on your mobile (or desktop for that matter) and book tickets for collection at the station of your choice. aFaAIK all the major TOCs still allow this.

I would then need to queue up at a ticket machine to get a ticket. I have a 30 minute walk to the station. With the Greater Anglia app, I can buy my ticket whilst I'm on my way. It used to default to having to collect the ticket, so sometimes I would have to queue up in any case. Now only gives me an M-ticket. My usual ticket costs £2.35 for a day return. If I lose my phone, or the battery is flat, I'll take the risk and buy another ticket.

 

[tom73]

In fairness, it might have been e-tickets that GA were trying to push on me. I am not sure how rigorous they are with their nomenclature and I've been bitten before by using an M-Ticket with no right to BOJ, and since a TOD collection machine is practically outside my flat, I prefer that method!

Wow! How lucky can you get? I have a 15-minutes walk or a 2-stops bus ride to collect my TOD's

 

[Kite159]

It might be worth mentioning that earlier in the week when I purchased an advance for a Virgin Trains journey the only option available was E tickets, the usual TOD/Postal options weren't available.

(Buying from the website on a laptop)

 

[smsm1]

There's been several occasions where people I know (including myself) have intended to buy mobile tickets, and then ended up buying paper tickets and had the pain of the extra time to pick the tickets up from the machine. So in a way, I like this change. I've luckily only once had an issue of the phone running out of power, and luckily got a lift home that day.

 

[Dewedin]

Can someone point me to an app that delivers e-tickets by email, allows selection of ToD and does not charge a booking fee for any tickets?

 

[Bungle965]

It might be worth mentioning that earlier in the week when I purchased an advance for a Virgin Trains journey the only option available was E tickets, the usual TOD/Postal options weren't available.

(Buying from the website on a laptop)

That's correct when E Tickets are available they will be the only option available.
Sam

 

[Bungle965]

It might be worth mentioning that earlier in the week when I purchased an advance for a Virgin Trains journey the only option available was E tickets, the usual TOD/Postal options weren't available.

(Buying from the website on a laptop)

That's correct when E Tickets are available they will be the only option available.
Sam

 

[Kite159]

That's correct when E Tickets are available they will be the only option available.
Sam

When did that change?

 

[smsm1]

For the GA since I bought my train tickets on Wednesday very early morning. I'd heard it's been the case with the northern app for some months.

 

[800002]

I purchased tickets on EMR's website this morning, ToD; E-ticket; and Mobile Ticket (I believe) was offered to me as options.
I chose ToD, as I always will - Paper tickets (in my mind) are far superior for my needs and desires - and was told I can collect 15 minutes after purchase from any Self Service Ticket Machine using the standard booking reference at any of the 1700 odd machines / Locations / Stations.
Before I've always had to specify a station - so from my point of view that's a massive improvement in the flexible offering!

 

[Llanigraham]

Question:
If you are on claim back expenses, how can you do that with any of these tickets on a mobile phone?
When I claim it is either the ticket or no money.

 

[Cdd89]

So just to confirm that these are eTickets, rather than mTickets, being distributed.

GA’s FAQ has been updated too:

When etickets are available, this option has replaced the Mobile Tickets and Print Your Own delivery options. We like to think it combines the best of both of the previous options, giving you more flexibility then before.​