Can a TOC price split TOC only fares when they are the lead operator?

[ys123]

Would a TOC be allowed to offer TOC only tickets between A-B and B-C if they are the fare setter for A-C (and therefore cant offer TOC only tickets between A-C for longer than 12wks), supposing it can be proven (I've no idea how, so theoretically speaking) that they did it solely to bypass the rule?

Would they be allowed to sell TOC only tickets from A-C splitting it at B when someone requests an A-C ticket (assuming they ask the buyer if they are ok with it)?

An example would be Manchester to Edinburgh splitting at Preston (TPE are the fare setter so can't offer TPE only tickets between MAN-EDB but do offer TPE only tickets between MAN-PRE and PRE-EDB).

 

[yorkie]

Would a TOC be allowed to offer TOC only tickets between A-B

Yes if another TOC is the lead operator for flow A-B.

and B-C

Yes if another TOC is the lead operator for flow B-C

if they are the fare setter for A-C

A-C has no relevance to A-B or B-C.

Would they be allowed to sell TOC only tickets from A-C splitting it at B when someone requests an A-C ticket (assuming they ask the buyer if they are ok with it)?

If a retailer is an "impartial retailer" they are supposed to charge for a through fare unless the customer indicates otherwise.

Therefore, customers are advised to either check manually or use a 'split ticketing' website to check if they can get a better deal.