Advance TPE + connections, using direct train from same station group.

[dvalts]

I booked an advance ticket from Manchester Stations to Edinburgh. The route is Transpennine + Connections. The journey planner itinerary I was given when I booked was Manchester Victoria - Bolton (Northern, no reservations), Bolton - Edinburgh (TPE). I have 1 reservation coupon for the Bolton - Edinburgh portion of the journey.

To avoid the change at Bolton, can I board the direct TPE train at Piccadilly and ride all the way up to Edinburgh? My reasoning would be that it's a 'connecting' journey to Bolton, even though I don't get off the train? Although I could see how it might be questionable..

Thanks

 

[LexyBoy]

You could have issues doing that, and I would advise sticking to the booked itinerary.

My opinion is that it should be allowed, as NRE states that you may take "appropriate connecting trains where shown on the ticket(s) or other valid travel itinerary". The TPE Piccadilly-Bolton is appropriate to the journey being made and can be brought up on an itinerary (though you might not get a change at Bolton if it's a through train).

Internal railway guidance (which does not form part of your contract) however, requires that "connecting" trains be non-reservable, and as the TPE service is reservable it would not be valid. I don't know what response you'd get if you asked the guard on the TPE service if you can travel, but it would be risky since if they said no you'd not get to Bolton in time!