FIP Coupons

[Downtheline]

Hi all.

I've now been a TOC employee over a year and have decided to take advantage of the FIP card reductions and the availability of coupons for some free travel in europe.

I gather you get one set of vouchers for free travel per country per year.
Does the allowance reset every January? Ie I could apply for some for November, then get some more for next summer? Or would I then have to wait until next November, ie a year later to apply again?

Will contact RSTL when they open but would appreciate any answers.

Thanks.

 

[33056]

Have a read of the PDF marked "Travel Tips for Europe" on the ATOC website you will need to fill out form 1209 on this page to apply for coupons but beware if you have a partner or children as they do not get the same entitlement as the staff member in most countries.

Generally speaking the allowance is one coupon per country each year (starting in January) though for some countries it is twice a year (best check on this as it used to be only for salaried staff). As they are valid for three months if you ask for them to start in December they will be valid into March next year but still be from this years allowance so you can ask for the 2014 ones after January.

 

[Downtheline]

Have a read of the PDF marked "Travel Tips for Europe" on the ATOC website you will need to fill out form 1209 on this page to apply for coupons but beware if you have a partner or children as they do not get the same entitlement as the staff member in most countries.

Generally speaking the allowance is one coupon per country each year (starting in January) though for some countries it is twice a year (best check on this as it used to be only for salaried staff). As they are valid for three months if you ask for them to start in December they will be valid into March next year but still be from this years allowance so you can ask for the 2014 ones after January.

That's great, yes, I've read that information, but thanks for clarifying the annual allowance starts each January. Much appreciated.

 

[87015]

That's great, yes, I've read that information, but thanks for clarifying the annual allowance starts each January. Much appreciated.

IF there is an allowance next year - still awaiting an announcement on what the "renegotiation" of FIP coupons will mean in reality...

 

[csilke]

IF there is an allowance next year - still awaiting an announcement on what the "renegotiation" of FIP coupons will mean in reality...

What "renegotiation"?:?

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Facilities granted to all staff are reviewed each year - I would not worry ......

 

[Gerald Fiennes]

Well, the FIP scheme is a voluntary arrangement amongst most of the European railway operators and there has been concern amongst some about keeping the scheme going given the overall quest to increase revenue, especially amongst railways in the eurozone. Last year, in the event, everyone agreed to continue unchanged but it is always possible that there might be some changes imposed (eg. those countries offering 2 coupons to drop to one?) In effect operators such as RENFE and Trenitalia have half dropped out of the scheme by charging all FIP coupon holders half price on intercity routes so there are lots of ways things could change... but, as Chief Planner says, my bet is that it will continue unscathed for another year.

 

[reb0118]

Would there ever be a chance of new members joining? I am thinking of the Baltic States and Ukraine maybe? Even Albania at a push - I had to pay about 70p there for a fare once - I still grudge it!

One reason for the FIP scheme continuing is that a lot of the people who make the decisions are senior managers who surprisingly enough use the facilities themselves - free first class sleeper berths throughout Europe anyone?

 

[ChiefPlanner]

The whole FIP agreement is a massive bonus for those who have it - being now "retired" (but still doing some rail work for now) - my advice is use it ! - there will obviously be some changes , but take heart that I understand only minor changes planned. From conversation with Dutch , Belgian and German railway partners in meetings - they love the chance to ride around on our trains - a particular fave amongst the Dutch is Scotland and Wales. Something to do with hills perhaps....

And even with no free coupons (or much reduced) - the priv fare is still a good deal over there...

 

[Downtheline]

Thanks all, we'll I certainly intend to take advantage of it personally a little this year, then maybe with the Mrs n kids next year too.

 

[33056]

RSTL is pleased to confirm that the current non-contractual arrangement of exchanges between FIP carriers, which was put in place in 2003 for a period of 10 years, has been reviewed and renewed for a further period of 3 years. It will therefore now run from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016, at which point it will be reviewed again.
There is no reduction in benefits for ATOC/GBPR.
In addition, from 1 January 2014 there is now slightly increased availability in Bosnia Herzegovina in that ZRS, the Railways of the Republic of Bosnia Herzegovina, now offer one free coupon a year to active staff only (ie not to retired staff and not to any family members), in addition to the 50% discount (for active and retired staff and their respective family members).
To apply for any FIP facilities (cards or coupons), please use form 1209.

From http://www.atoc.org/about-atoc/rail-staff-travel/news-offers/, see file FIP Exchanges (November 13).