Conditions changed on National Rail website

[Nick W]

Owing to my own battle with National Express East Anglia, I've noticed that the conditions to the day travelcard ticket type has changed on the National Rail website. I also wonder if other tickets have had their conditions changed.

Also, the national fare manual is no longer online.

 

[Chris B]

Well, there's a major advertising campaign surrounding the simplification of tickets (advance from 18th May whose T&Cs were standardized)- but I guess you knew that!

 

[yorkie]

Is this the rules on refunds? Do you have screenshots of before - and after - the change?

 

[Chris B]

NFM99 is online - but password protected behind the ATIOC travel-agent website....

 

[devon_metro]

NFM99 is online - but password protected behind the ATIOC travel-agent website....

Surely if the public cannot view the fares manual and associated rules, they can not be accused of abusing it?

 

[Chris B]

Well, that was my initial reaction too.....needs testing though.

 

[devon_metro]

Found these
http://www.atoctravelagents.org/clientfiles/File/Rail Directory/NFM99/RL99 A.pdf
http://www.atoctravelagents.org/clientfiles/File/Rail Directory/NFM99/RL99 C.pdf
http://www.atoctravelagents.org/clientfiles/File/Rail Directory/NFM99/RL99 D.pdf
http://www.atoctravelagents.org/clientfiles/File/Rail Directory/NFM99/NFM99 G.pdf
http://www.atoctravelagents.org/clientfiles/File/Rail Directory/NFM99/RL99 E.pdf

 

[hairyhandedfool]

In theory, you have access to all fares, which have already had the rules applied, on any rail appointed website or at manned stations (which are impartial in these matters), and you must be informed of any special conditions relating to the ticket, why should you need access to the fares manuel?

Not having a go, just a question?

 

[Chris B]

To work out which ticket & train you might want on any particular day without tying up a booking clerk for hours on end?

Also, possibly to work out where best to split fares for a long journey? This is a legal activity.....

 

[hairyhandedfool]

Which you can do through rail appointed websites

 

[me123]

Chris, I've always used NXEC or thetrainlien when I'm splitting fares. They provide all the conditions (or they should do anyway) and when searching for the fares, you're just as quick if not quicker than using the NFM.

Of course, if you're using dial-up or a slow connection using the paper manual would naturally be quicker than repeated searches but I presume you're getting a decent speed on your BB?

 

[Chris B]

You can't easily obtain the restriction codes for fares in general, nor can you look up just what those are.

If you can't publicly obtain your restrictions, how on earth can they ligitimately be enforced?

 

[hairyhandedfool]

The place or website that issues tickets must inform you of the validity of that ticket. Do you really need to know more?

You used to be able to buy the NRM legitimately from ATOC, if it really bothers you then ask ATOC if you can still buy a copy.

But to be honest, I don't see the point of it.

 

[Chris B]

No you can't obtain a copy.

And how do you prove or disprove that you were ewver given the T&Cs on any ticket purchased at a ticket office. It isyour word against theirs, which is NOT acceptable.

 

[hairyhandedfool]

Oh okay I didn't know, I thought they did still.

 

[yorkie]

Apparently the change that occured relates to the refunds for travelcards.

Before the change, refunds were available on unused travelcards. Now they are not (well, they are ... subject to a £10 fee, so unless you're going from somewhere like Grantham or Newark it's not worth it :roll

I believe the travelcard in question is £7, Nick W asked for a refund and they are now refusing.