Alternative trains

[dcbwhaley]

If I buy an advance ticket from TOC_A and the booked train is so delayed that a train operated by T_B arrives before it am I entitled to travel on that train or must I wait for the next TOC_A train?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Generally you must wait for the correct TOC.

Exceptions:
- &connections tickets (though it's debatable with regard to the main reserved leg)
- Where acceptance is in place
- Where you have been given specific permission (best to get in writing)
- LNER, Northern, TPE and Southeastern (the DfT TOCs) are considered one TOC for this purpose.

 

[Watershed]

- &connections tickets (though it's debatable with regard to the main reserved leg)

I think it's really about the route field of the ticket as a whole. Some Advances don't actually have a TOC restriction, for example "& Connections" as you say, but Southeastern even use "Any Permitted" or "Plus High Speed" for many of their Advances for instance.

Similarly GWR often just set them as "AP X" where X is some station along the intended route they want you to take (e.g. Slough).

I don't think you can be penalised for taking a different TOC to the one your original train is for, if the alternative TOC isn't excluded by your ticket's route. Condition 5.2 of the Advance ticket conditions refers.

 

[dcbwhaley]

I think it's really about the route field of the ticket as a whole. Some Advances don't actually have a TOC restriction, for example "& Connections" as you say, but Southeastern even use "Any Permitted" or "Plus High Speed" for many of their Advances for instance.

Similarly GWR often just set them as "AP X" where X is some station along the intended route they want you to take (e.g. Slough).

I don't think you can be penalised for taking a different TOC to the one your original train is for, if the alternative TOC isn't excluded by your ticket's route. Condition 5.2 of the Advance ticket conditions refers.

On the route in question the fares vary between TOCS. So if I buy the cheapest i don't suppose that I could use it on another company's train.

 

[Bletchleyite]

On the route in question the fares vary between TOCS. So if I buy the cheapest i don't suppose that I could use it on another company's train.

What does the route field actually say?

 

[tram21]

Assuming this is on a route with guards, its best to just ask the guard or train manager if they don't mind you getting on. I've never had them say no before, although they would do if the train was very overcrowded.

Alternatively if there is a very very long wait for the next train of TOC_A, getting your ticket endorsed at the ticket office will probably work.