Bedford to St Pancras Ticket advice

[Roduski]

I am a new starter at TFL and have a Thameslink season ticket between Bedford and Kentish Town (as discounted rate requires selecting this station) and was wondering how I should be getting to and from St Pancras when required to depart/board. My Oyster card has let me through the Thameslink barrier when arriving but season ticket does not. And can also board the EMR at St Pancras to return home, using my season ticket. The Thameslink website has a small bit of information (attached document) regarding the use of London Thameslink destinations. Any advice or guidance to prevent fines as my preferred journey is to St Pancras, not Kentish Town. Thanks in advance!

 

[Mike395]

I am a new starter at TFL and have a Thameslink season ticket between Bedford and Kentish Town (as discounted rate requires selecting this station) and was wondering how I should be getting to and from St Pancras when required to depart/board. My Oyster card has let me through the Thameslink barrier when arriving but season ticket does not. And can also board the EMR at St Pancras to return home, using my season ticket. The Thameslink website has a small bit of information (attached document) regarding the use of London Thameslink destinations. Any advice or guidance to prevent fines as my preferred journey is to St Pancras, not Kentish Town. Thanks in advance!

You can use your Staff Oyster to get you through the gateline at St Pancras (Thameslink). Others may be more knowledgeable on how TfL staff travel works with EMR and whether there's any specific guidance, however @bb21 suggests here that it would be valid under season ticket rules.

 

[Roduski]

Thank you for your quick response! My Thameslink app has logged my journeys when using both Thameslink barrier and EMR so I am going to assume it is safe to do so, until advised otherwise

 

[Mojo]

If you have a discounted season ticket from TfL at the full rate of 75% off (which you do not pay tax on it), then this is only valid on GTR services as it is a special agreement between TfL and GTR. If you wish to travel on EMR then you will need to purchase the public rate season ticket, TfL will issue you a rebate on this equivalent to 75% off but this is classed as a benefit in kind by HMRC, so you will pay tax on the 75%.

 

[Haywain]

@bb21 suggests here that it would be valid under season ticket rules.

Discounts that are not generally available can have different effects on season tickets and the rules around their use. As stated above, the discounted season ticket that the OP has is only valid for use on Thameslink services. It won't be accepted on EMR because the OP will be unable to present an appropriate Priv card to support it.