Advance tickets on other TOCs following cancellations

[thelongestroad]

If a train is cancelled by operator A, and the next available train is operated by operator B, are the passengers holding an advance purchase or TOC specific ticket entitled to travel on the next available train (even if operator B) or must they wait for the next train by operator A?

This assumes TOC A has not asked for ticket acceptance.

 

[furlong]

The question as posed cannot really be answered in general.
There are various provisions placing various obligations on different parties in different sets of circumstances. Each uses different criteria and works in a different way.
The staff of some rail companies are notorious for disputing the applicability of some of these obligations in particular circumstances.

You might start by considering NRCoT 28.2
"Where disruption prevents you from completing the journey for which your Ticket is
valid and is being used, any Train Company will, where it reasonably can, provide
you with alternative means of travel to your destination, or if necessary, provide
overnight accommodation for you."

 

[island]

To add to the above good points, it will also depend on how long it is until the next train operated by TOC A.

 

[Watershed]

It's also worth noting condition 5.2 of the Advance ticket conditions:

5.2 If delays occur while travelling, you will be allowed to take the next available train(s) to complete your journey.

There have been various discussions about the meaning of this term in the past. My view - although I accept not everyone shares it - is that this authorises you to take the next available service regardless of operator. But you may encounter difficulties in vindicating this right so I would only suggest doing this if you are sufficiently clued-up on your rights, and/or are willing to take this up further if necessary.

If the foreseeable delay by waiting for the next "TOC A" service would be over 60 minutes, the right to re-routing under the Passenger Rights and Obligations Regulation (PRO) kicks in. This has also been discussed at length in previous threads and similarly may encounter difficulties.