Bolton - BPN; why is this train missing from the itinery?

[Howardh]

Intend to go to Blackpool North (BPN) and my preferred route is the "fast" 1439 TPE Bolton (BON) to Preston (PRE), have a relaxing brew at Preston (and it's the first service when my bus arrives) then catch the next train to BPN. However when I put in Bolton - BPN in either this site's engine or Northern's, that 1439 is "missing".

Two screenshots, first is BON - PRE, second BON - BPN..

So my question is, is the journey I intend to make (1439) actually valid with a day return or is there some restriction on it? If the former, why's it missing - is it becasue there's a lengthy change wait at Preston? Puzzling!

 

[yorkie]

If you specify changing at Preston, it comes up straight away:




Most people don't want to get an earlier train, hang around, and then get on the same train they could have got on later, so you do need to specify to change trains at Preston otherwise you won't be offered the itinerary*

(* The exception is where it is cheaper, then some booking engines may come up with it, but that doesn't apply here)

 

[Howardh]

If you specify changing at Preston, it comes up straight away:

View attachment 196905

Ah, hadn't thought of that! Even so, surprised it's not on the original itinery. Anyway as long as it's valid I'm happy; problem solved thank you!

Edit - of course the Bolton - Barrow train is there BUT you have to change at Preston just the same as the TPE that's missing!

 

[yorkie]

I'm not surprised; you end up on a train that has gone directly from Bolton to Blackpool, so - unless it's cheaper - why would a booking engine come up with an unnecessary change?

 

[Howardh]

I'm not surprised; you end up on a train that has gone directly from Bolton to Blackpool, so - unless it's cheaper - why would a booking engine come up with an unnecessary change?

Doesn't explain why they show the Barrow train; that should be excluded for the same reason? Of course there may be "Northern Only* advance cheaper tickets I suppose? That aside, it is the first train after my bus arrives and I'd rather wait at Preston for the connection (if I arrived at Bolton earlier it's the same with the Barrow service).

Main thing though it's valid which was my original concern!

 

[LowLevel]

Doesn't explain why they show the Barrow train; that should be excluded for the same reason? Of course there may be "Northern Only* advance cheaper tickets I suppose? That aside, it is the first train after my bus arrives and I'd rather wait at Preston for the connection (if I arrived at Bolton earlier it's the same with the Barrow service).

Main thing though it's valid which was my original concern!

The Barrow/Windermere trains give a connection on to the York - Blackpool service at xx40 so they give a genuine extra faster journey opportunity alongside the direct service, rather than just putting you on a train you would have caught anyway direct.

 

[Howardh]

The Barrow/Windermere trains give a connection on to the York - Blackpool service at xx40 so they give a genuine extra faster journey opportunity alongside the direct service, rather than just putting you on a train you would have caught anyway direct.

Yes, good shout, but not sure how tight the connection is but I can bet one of the two will be late!

 

[Deerfold]

Doesn't explain why they show the Barrow train; that should be excluded for the same reason? Of course there may be "Northern Only* advance cheaper tickets I suppose? That aside, it is the first train after my bus arrives and I'd rather wait at Preston for the connection (if I arrived at Bolton earlier it's the same with the Barrow service).

Main thing though it's valid which was my original concern!

Is the Barrow train the 1435? That's shown as being cheaper (with a turtle to show it's also slower).

If I do Halifax to Keighley ia Leeds I'm usually shown 2-3 journeys in an hour. However there's up to 5 trains an hour from Halifax to Leeds, so if I'm not on an advance I'll catch the first train that comes and have longer at Leeds (or if I'm lucky, make an unofficial connection).

 

[Howardh]

Is the Barrow train the 1435? That's shown as being cheaper (with a turtle to show it's also slower).

If I do Halifax to Keighley ia Leeds I'm usually shown 2-3 journeys in an hour. However there's up to 5 trains an hour from Halifax to Leeds, so if I'm not on an advance I'll catch the first train that comes and have longer at Leeds (or if I'm lucky, make an unofficial connection).

1423. 1435 (NTN, x Blackburn)1439 (TPE x PRE) 1453 are the four possible trains from Bolton to Blackpool; there's no 1435 to Barrow, it's to Blackburn and change there. My bad; assumed 1425 WAS to Barrow, but wasn't in my plan anyway!

Does seem odd that they are happy to route you via Blackburn on the 35; but not via Preston on the 39; unless as Yorkie says you add "via Preston".

 

[yorkie]

1423. 1435 (NTN, x Blackburn)1439 (TPE x PRE) 1453 are the four possible trains from Bolton to Blackpool; there's no 1435 to Barrow, it's to Blackburn and change there. My bad; assumed 1425 WAS to Barrow, but wasn't in my plan anyway!

Does seem odd that they are happy to route you via Blackburn on the 35; but not via Preston on the 39; unless as Yorkie says you add "via Preston".

There is absolutely no reason to offer a change onto a train that has literally come from Bolton, unless it's cheaper, which it isn't, so it seems fairly clear-cut to me.

I don't see via Blackburn offered today, but if it's an overtaken itinerary, I am sure there will be good reason, e.g. a cheaper fare being available.