Complex Oyster Aftersale

[phil1960]

Hello

Wonder if there are any Oyster experts also knowledgeable on safeguarded rail staff priv travel.

My scenario. Currently have an Oyster with Priv rate zones1-3 valid until April next year. In addition I top it up for extension journeys (beyond zone 3) & for bus journeys.

End of this month I'm being made redundant, so I need to surrender the season ticket for refund. But as I'm safeguarded staff I still get to keep the priv discount (& PAYG credit). I understand that a season refund done online voids the whole Oyster card which means then I have to get the priv discount rate put back on a new card? With hardly any ticket offices left to get the priv loaded on don't make that annual task easy. Or would I be best to go to a TfL travel info desk say at Victoria and they sort it all out there?

Thanks,
Phil

 

[gray1404]

My understanding is that even though most of the ticket offices have closed, station staff are still able to do a staff log in on the TVM and load onto an Oyster card any discounts such as PRIV and railcards. So you would just need to approach a member of staff at the gateline and ask them to load it onto your new oyster card.

 

[CyrusWuff]

Before someone can give a full answer, was the season purchased from a LU Ticket Office/Machine or a TOC (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes London Overground and TfL Rail)?

The reason I ask being that different refund procedures apply depending on the original retailer.

 

[phil1960]

Before someone can give a full answer, was the season purchased from a LU Ticket Office/Machine or a TOC (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes London Overground and TfL Rail)?

The reason I ask being that different refund procedures apply depending on the original retailer.

It was purchased from a LUL ticket office.

Phil

 

[CyrusWuff]

It was purchased from a LUL ticket office.

Unfortunately it is then a case of getting the refund through TfL Customer Services and then obtaining a new card and getting the discount added.

Had it been bought from a TOC, they could've just unloaded the Travelcard from the Oyster and processed a refund in the normal manner (though the refund needs additional authorisation from Rail Staff Travel), leaving the PAYG balance and discount intact.

Be aware that, when getting the new card, you need to complete an application form, which now has to be authorised by Rail Staff Travel rather than your Line Manager. The relevant form can be found in the Rail Staff Travel section of the ATOC website.

 

[phil1960]

Unfortunately it is then a case of getting the refund through TfL Customer Services and then obtaining a new card and getting the discount added.

Had it been bought from a TOC, they could've just unloaded the Travelcard from the Oyster and processed a refund in the normal manner (though the refund needs additional authorisation from Rail Staff Travel), leaving the PAYG balance and discount intact.

Be aware that, when getting the new card, you need to complete an application form, which now has to be authorised by Rail Staff Travel rather than your Line Manager. The relevant form can be found in the Rail Staff Travel section of the ATOC website.

Thanks, now all sorted out now. As for the Priv loading on to my new Oyster Card, they didn't need to see a form. The CSA simply keyed in my STC & Photocard details on the TVM and is now happily discounting.

Now another question. I'm still job seeking and could end up in a "non railway" or TOC post. If it is the former then I'll need to purchase any season ticket at the public rate. Can this be loaded onto the same Oyster card as I'm using currently for Leisure priv travel? So I pay full fare for zones 1-3 and "priv" beyond for extension journeys?

Phil