Travelling by train - restrictions due to Covid

[ForTheLoveOf]

This is all rather going off topic and yet again giving the OP FUD. For the avoidance of any doubt @piccadilly , the situation is as follows.

CrossCountry advise passengers to get reservations, but it is not mandatory - see this quote from their website: "To ensure you and others are safe on your journey, we advise that you book in advance and reserve a place on a specific train".

If you don't have a reservation they warn you may not be able to board your preferred service, but there have been no reports of this happening, and it seems incredibly unlikely given current loadings.

If you can't travel on the service you're reserved on, don't worry. Get a reservation if you can, but if you can't, just hop on. Again, you are incredibly unlikely to have any problems.

 

[30907]

Thank you for your replies.

I am hoping to travel next Tuesday or Wednesday but the price varies enormously depending on the off peak train for example on the trainline the 10.45 (my ideal time) is sold out ,then the next trains vary at around the £250 to £350 mark until 14.45 when the fare drops to £95.I am surprised at such variation.

Is there another website I should try to book the ticket - presumably I could store it on my iphone but print a PDF just in case.

As you have discovered, XC services reach their (presumed) capacity early and the system therefore won't give you a fare using a "full" train - or will only offer first class at the £350 level.
You can buy an offpeak return in advance (or on the day) for a train on the day you wish to travel outward, and travel earlier. If you are refused boarding, then you have the option of using other trains, e.g. changing at Taunton, Newport and Crewe.

 

[route101]

You will be fine travelling by train, and there is no restriction on travelling. You will need a seat reservation for the train between Exeter and Birmingham and between Birmingham and Warrington. I would purchase your ticket a few days ahead of travel at your local station who will be able to sort the reservations for you.

Other than having to wear a face covering travelling by train is a pleasurable experience at the moment due to the very low number of passengers travelling so enjoy it while it lasts.

Yes , i took two long distance journeys yesterday and i quite enjoyed it as there was few passengers.

 

[route101]

I travelled on the 1611 XC service from Leeds to Derby today and the TM announced four times (after leaving Leeds, Wakefield, Sheffield and Chesterfield) that "Reservations are now compulsory on XC services" It's the first time I've heard this, having travelled on several services recently and it's not specifically stated on their website.

Was the TM exceeding his authority is making such a statement and how is it policed when no ticket checks are made?

Most, if not all of the above seat displays are showing messages about social distancing and wearing masks.

Similar posters and annoucements are made at Glasgow Central for Avanti , compulsory reservations yet on avanti website , it says reccomended.

I wonder what happens if you turn up without a reservation, as they are checking tickets on platform. Also what is happening at intermediate stations such as Carlisle.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Similar posters and annoucements are made at Glasgow Central for Avanti , compulsory reservations yet on avanti website , it says reccomended.

I wonder what happens if you turn up without a reservation, as they are checking tickets on platform. Also what is happening at intermediate stations such as Carlisle.

I think only LNER is being super-strict, i.e. turning people away regardless of how much space there is. My impression is that for others it's like Christmas Eve out of London - don't get a reservation and you might not get on. They've all set the trains to compulsory reservation in the timetable, though, to stop the setting of false expectations, which means you can't get a ticket for a given itinerary if it's "full". This does have the effect that often a First Class fare will be the only one showing - ouch!

 

[ThameslinkUser]

I wonder what happens if you turn up without a reservation, as they are checking tickets on platform. Also what is happening at intermediate stations such as Carlisle.

At Glasgow Central, there is a member of staff checking tickets as you board. They have a list of free seats available on the train and will be handing out slips with the coach/seat details if you do not have a reservation. I am unsure as to what is happening at other stations along the Avanti network.

 

[221129]

This is all rather going off topic and yet again giving the OP FUD. For the avoidance of any doubt @piccadilly , the situation is as follows.

CrossCountry advise passengers to get reservations, but it is not mandatory - see this quote from their website: "To ensure you and others are safe on your journey, we advise that you book in advance and reserve a place on a specific train".

If you don't have a reservation they warn you may not be able to board your preferred service, but there have been no reports of this happening, and it seems incredibly unlikely given current loadings.

If you can't travel on the service you're reserved on, don't worry. Get a reservation if you can, but if you can't, just hop on. Again, you are incredibly unlikely to have any problems.

Just because you keep repeating yourself doesnt make what you're saying is right. The only person giving the OP false advice is yourself.

 

[route101]

At Glasgow Central, there is a member of staff checking tickets as you board. They have a list of free seats available on the train and will be handing out slips with the coach/seat details if you do not have a reservation. I am unsure as to what is happening at other stations along the Avanti network.

Yes, i took avanti yesterday from Glasgow.

All seats on the service were showing availible on the displays.

Is coach U still unreserved?

 

[piccadilly]

Thank you for your advice.

I have booked through Trainline on the 16.27 from Exeter St Davids - and managed to print the ticket - however I note that I have "no specific seat" is marked against the Exeter to Birmingham leg - I have been given a seat allocation for the Birmingham to Warrington leg.I'd better check with Trainline.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Thank you for your advice.

I have booked through Trainline on the 16.27 from Exeter St Davids - and managed to print the ticket - however I note that I have "no specific seat" is marked against the Exeter to Birmingham leg - I have been given a seat allocation for the Birmingham to Warrington leg.I'd better check with Trainline.

If it's "no specific seat" rather than "no seat reserved" that's fine, they may be using counted places rather than specific seat reservations.

 

[WesternLancer]

Yes, no specific seat means you can be on that train and just sit a sensible social distance from other passengers (which does not then stop someone else getting on and failing to do such a thing but hey ho...)
In reality it will probably not be checked, no one will care, and it won't matter. No one will be asked to get off or prevented from getting on. It will make it simpler to get though the barrier line on to the platform were anyone to try to prevent you doing so.

And DfT are announcing revised guidance (tomorrow?) are they not - which in reality means TOCs will need to increase the numbers who can travel on services anyway.

UK train passengers to be tempted back with 'travel safe this summer' campaign

Operators move to boost drastically reduced use of public transport amid Covid-19 crisis

www.theguardian.com

 

[piccadilly]

Thanks that is a relief - it would be very inconvenient if I couldn't get on!

I'll still see what Trainline say.

Regards,

 

[ThameslinkUser]

Thank you for your advice.

I have booked through Trainline on the 16.27 from Exeter St Davids - and managed to print the ticket - however I note that I have "no specific seat" is marked against the Exeter to Birmingham leg - I have been given a seat allocation for the Birmingham to Warrington leg.I'd better check with Trainline.

You will be allocated onto the train and guaranteed a space, however XC are only issuing direct seating reservations a week before travel, which may be the issue.

 

[Alfonso]

F

Thank you for your advice.

I have booked through Trainline on the 16.27 from Exeter St Davids - and managed to print the ticket - however I note that I have "no specific seat" is marked against the Exeter to Birmingham leg - I have been given a seat allocation for the Birmingham to Warrington leg.I'd better check with Trainline.

For future reference, the staff at Honiton station are pretty helpful when it comes to isissuing replacement reservations, suggesting alternatives etc providing you do it at a quiet time, not ten minutes before a train is about to arrive and glad a dozen people want day returns to Exeter and other simple quick asks

 

[Newshound Mutt]

Not a good time to use a Rover ticket at the moment then? Either regional or National

 

[ForTheLoveOf]

Not a good time to use a Rover ticket at the moment then? Either regional or National

A couple of rover tickets have been withdrawn ("temporarily"). Those that remain are valid for leisure or any other sort of travel.

 

[piccadilly]

Yes I agree - the staff at Honiton are very helpful and knowlegeable

F
For future reference, the staff at Honiton station are pretty helpful when it comes to isissuing replacement reservations, suggesting alternatives etc providing you do it at a quiet time, not ten minutes before a train is about to arrive and glad a dozen people want day returns to Exeter and other simple quick asks

.

I will arrive early and speak to them.

Regards,

 

[piccadilly]

You will be fine travelling by train, and there is no restriction on travelling. You will need a seat reservation for the train between Exeter and Birmingham and between Birmingham and Warrington. I would purchase your ticket a few days ahead of travel at your local station who will be able to sort the reservations for you.

Other than having to wear a face covering travelling by train is a pleasurable experience at the moment due to the very low number of passengers travelling so enjoy it while it lasts.

Hadders ,Thank You yet again - once this is over we will be inviting our many friends from Hertford to stay with us in Devon - using your easy stress free train route!

 

[Hadders]

Hadders ,Thank You yet again - once this is over we will be inviting our many friends from Hertford to stay with us in Devon - using your easy stress free train route!

Hope you have a good trip. One of the good things about this forum is the breadth of knowledge and expertise.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

A couple of rover tickets have been withdrawn ("temporarily"). Those that remain are valid for leisure or any other sort of travel.

Which ones are these?

 

[_toommm_]

Which ones are these?

I believe it's the Scotland ones that involve the use of CalMac ferries (so Highland Rover, Spirit of Scotland and Scottish Grand Tour):

GB RAIL ROVER GUIDE - Highland Rover

How to find rail rover and ranger tickets on the national rail network. Rover and ranger tickets are cheap tickets for rail travel

www.railrover.org

GB RAIL ROVER GUIDE - Spirit of Scotland Travelpass

How to find rail rover and ranger tickets on the national rail network. Rover and ranger tickets are cheap tickets for rail travel

www.railrover.org

GB RAIL ROVER GUIDE - Scottish Grand Tour

How to find rail rover and ranger tickets on the national rail network. Rover and ranger tickets are cheap tickets for rail travel

www.railrover.org

 

[35B]

It is on their website. I was directed to it via a banner before anything else was offered to me.



I realise of course that you will either (a) deny this exists or (b) offer an analysis of the meaning of the words compulsory and may.

I have just looked at the Cross Country website, and as at the time of this post, the website states "To ensure you and others are safe on your journey, we advise that you book in advance and reserve a place on a specific train", and then in the FAQs below that "If you don’t have a reservation, then you may not be able to board your preferred train."

Without getting hung up on the definition of "compulsory", I interpret this to mean that if I wish to make a journey with Cross Country, I must obtain a reservation as if I don't, I may not be able to fulfil my itinerary. So essential, whether or not compulsory.

 

[Hadders]

I have just looked at the Cross Country website, and as at the time of this post, the website states "To ensure you and others are safe on your journey, we advise that you book in advance and reserve a place on a specific train", and then in the FAQs below that "If you don’t have a reservation, then you may not be able to board your preferred train."

Without getting hung up on the definition of "compulsory", I interpret this to mean that if I wish to make a journey with Cross Country, I must obtain a reservation as if I don't, I may not be able to fulfil my itinerary. So essential, whether or not compulsory.

It says ‘we advise that you book a place in advance’. It does not say you must book a place in advance.

Reservations are not compulsory on CrossCountry however it is highly advisable to have one and I would recommend anyone travelling with them obtains one for their intended train.

 

[Ianno87]

I have just looked at the Cross Country website, and as at the time of this post, the website states "To ensure you and others are safe on your journey, we advise that you book in advance and reserve a place on a specific train", and then in the FAQs below that "If you don’t have a reservation, then you may not be able to board your preferred train."

Without getting hung up on the definition of "compulsory", I interpret this to mean that if I wish to make a journey with Cross Country, I must obtain a reservation as if I don't, I may not be able to fulfil my itinerary. So essential, whether or not compulsory.

If you want to be guaranteed to be able to travel on your intended service, make a reservation. You *might* be able to travel without one if there is space, but there is a risk that the train is "full".

 

[Peter Mugridge]

I believe it's the Scotland ones that involve the use of CalMac ferries (so Highland Rover, Spirit of Scotland and Scottish Grand Tour):

Ah, thank you. I asked because I'm planning an All Line Rover for August ( returning home each night ). Those are currently available, I hope...?

 

[ThameslinkUser]

Ah, thank you. I asked because I'm planning an All Line Rover for August ( returning home each night ). Those are currently available, I hope...?

Yes. For a start, GTR are still selling them online here

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Yes. For a start, GTR are still selling them online here

Thank you.

I'll probably buy mine at Epsom station in person though.

 

[Mugby]

Under the new guidelines announced today. 'People may use public transport for journeys immediately'

What does this mean exactly, havn't people been doing just that for several weeks now?

 

[Belperpete]

A lot of contradictory posts about whether or not Avanti are "compulsory reservation". Having tried to book a journey on-line, I have found that weekday services seem to be compulsory reservation in the booking system (at least, all those I tried). Whereas not at the weekend (again, at least none of those I tried).

If the on-line booking system shows a particular train as not available because that train has been marked as compulsory-reservation and the allocation for that train is full, are you likely to be able to get a reservation for that train any other way? A suggestion was made that you could buy a ticket for an earlier train, and then go to the station and request the reservation be changed. I would have thought that once the available allocation of reserved seats on a given train has been used up, that was it? However, you may in theory be successful with a split-ticketing site, if there are part-way gaps along the way that add up to the full journey if you move seat?

At the end of the day, I suppose it all comes down to is the risk of you not being able to board without a reservation, and how prepared you are to accept that risk. Unless you are familiar with the particular service and its current occupancy levels and boarding arrangements, you won't really know what the risk of not boarding is. And how prepared you are to take that unknown risk is of course a personal matter.