Delay repay claim rejected due to invalid ticket

[BounceAlong]

I travelled from Macclesfield back to Manchester Piccadilly last week in the evening on Avanti West Coast using a Greater Manchester Wayfarer ticket.

Avanti have rejected my claim, saying the ticket was invalid. However, after checking both Railrover and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), the listed stations and train operators appear to confirm it was valid for that journey.

What’s even more confusing is that the staffed ticket office at Manchester Piccadilly railway station — ironically run by Avanti staff — specifically advised me to buy the Wayfarer ticket when I was originally considering the Greater Manchester Rail Ranger instead.

I’m not sure where Avanti checked the validity of the ticket, because the National Rail website seems to have outdated information on the Greater Manchester Wayfarer, including the price and the stations covered.

I’m wondering whether it’s worth appealing this decision, and whether anyone else has had a similar experience?

 

[Dave_D]

This has happened to me on more than one occasion, it’s with another operator.

Being charitable , it might have been a human error or a coding mistake but, the more cynical of us might believe it was a deliberate attempt to get them out of paying.

I contacted them and told them that in no uncertain terms, I would be taking legal action if I didn’t get my refund.

I’m sorry to say that they paid up. Was looking forward to having some fun in court.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

I’m wondering whether it’s worth appealing this decision, and whether anyone else has had a similar experience?

Definitely worth further appealing. Macclesfield is certainly (albeit only just) within the GM Wayfarer validity area for rail travel use.

 

[Dave_D]

Presumably they have your name and address from your application.

Is it unreasonable to assume that if they really believed your ticket wasn’t valid, they wouldn’t be pursuing you.

 

[BounceAlong]

Presumably they have your name and address from your application.

Is it unreasonable to assume that if they really believed your ticket wasn’t valid, they wouldn’t be pursuing you.

Yes, I have appealed the decision now