FIP Entitlements

[Tevion539]

Hi all,

I find the RST website confusing... There's lots of links and back and forth... Can anyone advise how long I need to be employed by a TOC before applying for my FIP? The sooner I can get it, the better as I want to look into some European travel on the train.

Many thanks

 

[lammergeier]

Are you on facebook? If so join the European Rail Staff Travel group, loads of info on there.

 

[Mag_seven]

Hi all,

I find the RST website confusing... There's lots of links and back and forth... Can anyone advise how long I need to be employed by a TOC before applying for my FIP? The sooner I can get it, the better as I want to look into some European travel on the train.

Many thanks

This document should tell you all you need to know:

https://www.raildeliverygroup.com/files/Publications/services/rst/RST_TOC_New_Starter_FIP_v2.pdf

European Rail Staff Travel facilities for new TOC employees

This is an introduction to the staff travel facilities on European railway and shipping companies which are available to new TOC employees after 12
months’ service.

 

[driver9000]

12 months service before you qualify for FIP.

 

[ninhog]

I want to look into some European travel on the train.

Got to love the Eurostar FIP rate and international travel coupons..!

 

[185]

1 years service.

Once you get the FIP Card, two options for travel:
1. Planned trip - Order the 8-day free travel coupons online for the countries you want, over 3 weeks before travel. Most countries = 1 coupon per year. Check for supplement / reservation fees for each journey, generally on faster / long distance trains.
2. Unplanned short notice trip - Use the FIP card for 50% generally buying tickets at foreign ticket offices. (or 75% off in France, Belgium, N&S Ireland

 

[throwaway1989]

Just to piggyback this thread, does anyone know if staff passes are issued pretty much as soon as you start? I'm starting with LNER at the beginning of May and was considering using that pass to get to London in September for my honeymoon but not sure I'd have been there long enough at that point.

 

[BurningFeetMan]

Just to piggyback this thread, does anyone know if staff passes are issued pretty much as soon as you start? I'm starting with LNER at the beginning of May and was considering using that pass to get to London in September for my honeymoon but not sure I'd have been there long enough at that point.

The passes are issued by RDG and are generally quite quick. That said, you probably need to fill in a form (on the website) to add a spouse or child.

 

[Tevion539]

Thanks all for your helpful responses. Suppose I have about 7-8 months before I can apply.

Just to piggyback this thread, does anyone know if staff passes are issued pretty much as soon as you start? I'm starting with LNER at the beginning of May and was considering using that pass to get to London in September for my honeymoon but not sure I'd have been there long enough at that point.

If you want to add a spouse that you arent married to, you will need to download the partner declaration form and take it to a solicitor with 3 proof of address' with both you and your partners name... or you can have three sperate letters each, so long as the address' match. These take around about 4 weeks to come back when you send the declaration to RDG. Your partner will get their PRIV about a week before their leisure travel pass just going off mine and other peoples experience on my course. If you are already married, you could just upload the marriage certificate.

Otherwise, for yourself, if you already have been given a job offer you should be able to apply for your pass now. RDG should contact LNER to confirm this ^ It's best to get your pass sorted sooner than later.

 

[throwaway1989]

Thanks all for your helpful responses. Suppose I have about 7-8 months before I can apply.

If you want to add a spouse that you arent married to, you will need to download the partner declaration form and take it to a solicitor with 3 proof of address' with both you and your partners name... or you can have three sperate letters each, so long as the address' match. These take around about 4 weeks to come back when you send the declaration to RDG. Your partner will get their PRIV about a week before their leisure travel pass just going off mine and other peoples experience on my course. If you are already married, you could just upload the marriage certificate.

Otherwise, for yourself, if you already have been given a job offer you should be able to apply for your pass now. RDG should contact LNER to confirm this ^ It's best to get your pass sorted sooner than later.

Thank you for that, I been offered the job and have a start date so I will get the ball rolling. I'm currently working in the bus industry and our staff passes are just issued through our employer. I wasn't sure if there was a staff pass issued by LNER that I could use and worry about applying for the Rail Staff Leisure card for discounted fares on other TOCs at a later date.

 

[Tevion539]

Thank you for that, I been offered the job and have a start date so I will get the ball rolling. I'm currently working in the bus industry and our staff passes are just issued through our employer. I wasn't sure if there was a staff pass issued by LNER that I could use and worry about applying for the Rail Staff Leisure card for discounted fares on other TOCs at a later date.

The leisure card will be sent automatically. You need to apply for your pass first, though. I used to work for First Bus myself - there were always delays in getting passes back...

If you don't get your staff pass within four weeks of applying, give them a call Mon-Thu I believe 0900-1230. I'm not sure with LNER, but with TfW they were able to give us a "temporary" ID whilst we waited if it took more than four weeks. You could always email your HR department about this to see if they offer it? I'm sure they can give you further advice.