GTR brand restrictions

[MrJeeves]

I'm aware that GTR's brand restrictions aren't actually enforceable and are hence valid on all GTR services no matter which.

@yorkie has posted about this many times before on the forum.

Do we have a copy-paste or an easily quotable message to send to GTR if they claim it's not valid on a journey?

I just bought a smartcard Thameslink only Z1-6 Travelcard to travel on a route that only Southern operate on, but I'm thinking keyGo will probably try to overcharge me as a result, so want something ready to send to GTR to protest the extra charges.

Thanks all!

 

[74A]

Is there such a thing as a Thameslink zone 1-6 travel card. If it is only for zones 1-6 it must be valid on all Toc/tfl services.. Can you provide more details what ticket you actually have ?

 

[MrJeeves]

Is there such a thing as a Thameslink zone 1-6 travel card. If it is only for zones 1-6 it must be valid on all Toc/tfl services.

The restriction acts as Thameslink only (GTR only) when outside Zones 1-6 and any TOC inside the zones.

I can't reveal the ticket details without revealing a decent deal which might be patched up.

 

[Jan Mayen]

There is a Three Bridges - Zone 1-6 season ticket available. As noted, it is only valid on Thamelink between Three Bridges and Coulsdon South, then it's a normal Travelcard in the zones. Please note if it's loaded on a GTR Smartcard you cannot use Keygo on other services from Three Bridges to Coulsdon South, as the Keygo T & C's resrict this.
I note from other threads there is are legal procedings which say GTR cannot have such a restriction as Thameslink Only - i believe GTR say they can, and will defend themselves accordingly.

 

[MrJeeves]

Indeed. You can use it on GWR from Redhill to Dorking Deepdene, then connect to Dorking with keyGo, though.

 

[redreni]

There is a Three Bridges - Zone 1-6 season ticket available. As noted, it is only valid on Thamelink between Three Bridges and Coulsdon South, then it's a normal Travelcard in the zones. Please note if it's loaded on a GTR Smartcard you cannot use Keygo on other services from Three Bridges to Coulsdon South, as the Keygo T & C's resrict this.
I note from other threads there is are legal procedings which say GTR cannot have such a restriction as Thameslink Only - i believe GTR say they can, and will defend themselves accordingly.

And they will lose.

 

[yorkie]

The restriction acts as Thameslink only (GTR only) when outside Zones 1-6 and any TOC inside the zones.

I can't reveal the ticket details without revealing a decent deal which might be patched up.

In that case, I strongly advise: don't do this. Only do this if you are using a non-controversial routeing.

There is a Three Bridges - Zone 1-6 season ticket available. As noted, it is only valid on Thamelink between Three Bridges and Coulsdon South, then it's a normal Travelcard in the zones.

Yes only valid on trains operated by Thameslink as you say (so on a contractual/legal basis, only denies travel on GWR between Gatwick and Redhill)

I note from other threads there is are legal procedings which say GTR cannot have such a restriction as Thameslink Only - i believe GTR say they can, and will defend themselves accordingly.

Yes they will of course defend themselves in the legal case however what is of particular note, and what really matters to customers holding brand restricted tickets who are concerned about being charged, is that every time I've known anyone complain about being charged an excess or penalty fare, on the basis of the branding matter, the company has refunded the customer.

 

[MrJeeves]

In that case, I strongly advise: don't do this. Only do this if you are using a non-controversial routeing.

It's less than the routeing is controversial, just extending the origin to another point results in a cheaper overall fare.

Trainsplit (hence the forum ticketing site too) happily suggests this route if you tell it the appropriate via point and generates a suitable itinerary. Not too much trickery going on.

 

[Paul Kelly]

I don't think Yorkie was suggesting that there might be any problem with what you are doing, more that the fact of publicising it could result in the fares or permitted routes being changed to remove the advantage...

 

[MrJeeves]

I don't think Yorkie was suggesting that there might be any problem with what you are doing, more that the fact of publicising it could result in the fares or permitted routes being changed to remove the advantage...

Ah makes more sense!