On the 25th October, passengers headed to Thirsk on the last TPE service back to Newcastle were asked to travel to Northallerton and change onto the rail replacement bus back to Thirsk, this itinerary was given on all the journey planners despite no formal doubleback easement in the routeing guide, so I believe it to be valid. However, the train was running late enough that I missed the rail replacement bus. Knowing there were going to be issues I phoned TPE customer service who suggested I get a 'back on track' form from the guard and pay for a taxi, then claim it back. Is that the best they could do? What are other TOC's procedures when they know a passenger is about to be stranded? I wouldn't always have enough to pay for a taxi, let alone be able to source one - which can be difficult at short notice at that time from Northallerton. Luckily I was able to get a lift from my mother, who gave the other stranded passenger a lift.
For what it's worth, surely holding the rail replacement bus would have made more sense, as there was no other service for it to connect with after it had taken us back to Thirsk.
I emailed TPE about the response regarding this (I put in a separate delay repay for another journey at the same time, perhaps a mistake) and all they had to say was:
... before addressing my separate delay repay
Of course I shall be contacting the said email address myself, not that I suppose I'm due anything having not got a taxi, but there is nothing that suggests lessons have been learnt. Incidentally, what chance do you think I have of at least receiving some petrol money to pay my mother? And how should I phrase the email. It does seem they've washed their hands of it rather. Also would it be worth contacting the rail replacement bus company (I didn't see the bus as it had gone, but it's usually John Smith's?)
For what it's worth, surely holding the rail replacement bus would have made more sense, as there was no other service for it to connect with after it had taken us back to Thirsk.
I emailed TPE about the response regarding this (I put in a separate delay repay for another journey at the same time, perhaps a mistake) and all they had to say was:
.
... before addressing my separate delay repay
Of course I shall be contacting the said email address myself, not that I suppose I'm due anything having not got a taxi, but there is nothing that suggests lessons have been learnt. Incidentally, what chance do you think I have of at least receiving some petrol money to pay my mother? And how should I phrase the email. It does seem they've washed their hands of it rather. Also would it be worth contacting the rail replacement bus company (I didn't see the bus as it had gone, but it's usually John Smith's?)
