Recent content by chalkie99

I couldn't get any fares working yesterday but now October has kicked in, it seems to be working, after a fashion. The last two promotions I travelled from Pontyclun (PYC) to Manchester Picadilly on the 06.30 which is a nice direct, no changes service. It seems I can still do this so I am...

Last year I was able to purchase a Club55 from Pontyclun (PYC) all the way through to Birmingham International (BHI) travelling via Shresbury. I want to make this journey again next Monday, the 25th, but the website doesn't seem to cater for this although I can purchase for Birmingham new...

Can anyone clarify the online booking please? How far ahead do I need to book? - long enough to allow a ticket to be posted or, once booked, can a ticket be printed off at home (as I can with various other booking systems)? I did sign up for the service but have not received any response...

I thought I was a very youthful looking 55 year old :D but, sadly, have never been asked for ID at all :roll:

University buildings are situated in several locations so it would be wise to make a 'phone call beforehand. I think, though, that the Medical School must be situated in the University Hospital of Wales which is just off one of the busiest junctions in Cardiff at the intersection of the...

Bit of an update :roll: I mailed Arriva on Sept 30th and have just received their reply! Actually, only a reply to part of the question but at least some progress. Their e-mail states: So it seems consistent with what extendedpaul was told last year. They really do need a bit of a...

I'm still finding my way around this. I think anyone reading the promotional guff would think that Birmingham (from South Wales) was only accessible via Cheltenham at £28 and would not realise the cheaper option via Shrewsbury. Indeed, the fare, from Pontyclun via Shrewsbury, still shows at...

Small update - encouraged by extendedpauls's posts I e-mailed Arriva last Friday evening and had a standard response on Monday to say they would answer within 10 days! Nothing received yet so not exactly high speed service. In the meantime, I took the Pontyclun to Birmingham service yesterday...

Thanks and I have mailed customer services for some clarification so hopefully may get a reply on Monday. These bookings do seem all over the place though. One example: 07.22 from Pontyclun runs as Arriva to Cardiff and then transfers to 07.45 Cross Country service to Birmingham...

May have to try that as I would not like to find myself denied a ticket purchase after boarding the train! Note the FGW site allows Pontyclun to Penzance for £20 total commencing on the 07.22 ATW to Cardiff, then transferring onto FGW services.

Here is a screen grab which suggests otherwise, unless you think my ticket would be refused on the day. I don't know if the website is being updated ad hoc but I am beginning to see options which were not available a couple of hours ago.

Oddly though, the 0722 arrives into Cardiff and then carries on to Manchester. I can sit on that train through both Cardiff and Newport and travel to Manchester but cannot change onto a departing Cardiff to Birmingham even though it does not arrive in Birmingham until 09.45. Also, I cannot...

Thanks for all your help with these queries. I managed to do my first Club 55 yesterday travelling the Heart of Wales line by buying a single Pontyclun - Bridgend and then a Club 55 Bridgend - Shrewsbury travelling west/north and returned from Shrewsbury on the faster line which ran directly...

Thank you for your help. :)

I am trying to get some use from the Club 55 promotion but the Arriva site seems a bit odd. For example, if I try Cardiff to Manchester (which is advertised at £19.50) I am offered not only the £19.50 fare but also the basic £18.00 fare. The Liverpool trips seem to work as advertised with...