Excess fare confusion

[Chrisbolton]

Hi

I bought two off peak returns from Bolton to Lancaster, returning within a month.

However, we will also be going to Morecambe on the first day, heading back to Lancaster for the night, and returning to Bolton on the second day.

Would it be possible to excess these tickets? It wouldnt have cost much mure of I had originally booked to go to Morecambe, however, it will be £3.50 each otherwise

Thanks
Chris

 

[yorkie]

Yes, you can obtain an overdistance excess, but good luck finding a ticket clerk who is both willing & trained on how to issue them, especially as the excess is zero! That means the booking clerk may (depending on company policy) have to complete a form. Some are reluctant to do this, and some have even been instructed not to issue them!

Ask for the ticket at Bolton before you depart (preferably in advance - as if they say no, you can try again when a different clerk is on duty).

I know at my local station it would be done with no problem but I have no idea what Bolton is like.

 

[Chrisbolton]

Cheers Yorkie

I think some staff are ok, others struggle to print a ticket to a metrolink destination

If Bolton dont/wont do it, can I ask at Lancaster?

 

[hairyhandedfool]

Officially, it must be done before boarding a train.

If the clerk is not able to issue you the excess then you are in a bit of a grey area, but your next opportunity is from the guard on the train.

You could ask at Lancaster, but I would expect them to say no (unless, for some reason, the guard is also not able to do it).