Help! St Albans to Cardiff

[hawaii2468]

Just checked in NRE for trains from St Albans - Cardiff and St Albans - Bridgend on 4th July. I found one which is 20 pounds to Cardiff whereas only 18 pounds to Bridgend on the same train departs from Paddington at 13:45. Bridgend is next stop to Cardiff.

I wonder if I only pay 18 pounds for the ticket to Bridgend but plan to exit at Cardiff, what would happen? Will this be allowed?

 

[mikeg]

Assuming it is an advance ticket, this will not be allowed.
If it is an offpeak ticket, it will be allowed if the restriction code allows it.
Judging by the price it is an advance ticket, thus you shouldn't be allowed to exit Cardiff, though in practice you may find it possible. By doing so you render your ticket invalid and should have to buy a new one. Note the should. TOCs have attempted to charge people for getting off early before. The press don't like it and where it has been widely reported they've typically changed their attitude.

 

[AlterEgo]

Just checked in NRE for trains from St Albans - Cardiff and St Albans - Bridgend on 4th July. I found one which is 20 pounds to Cardiff whereas only 18 pounds to Bridgend on the same train departs from Paddington at 13:45. Bridgend is next stop to Cardiff.

I wonder if I only pay 18 pounds for the ticket to Bridgend but plan to exit at Cardiff, what would happen? Will this be allowed?

If it's an Advance fare, no.

No break of journey is allowed.

 

[hawaii2468]

why would it cheaper for a place which is further?

 

[AlterEgo]

Advance fares are quota controlled - all of the cheaper ones to Cardiff will have sold out, most likely.

 

[bb21]

why would it cheaper for a place which is further?

Advance fares are used to manage demand and direct passenger flow. If St Albans - Cardiff is a popular route with many passengers travelling it, then there is no need for the TOC to stimulate further demand by offering lower prices. Meanwhile St Albans - Brigdend is a less popular route then it makes sense for the TOC to offer reduced fares to encourage travel. This probably also explains why Advance fares do not permit Break of Journey.

If you are caught stopping short on an Advance ticket, you will be liable for the full fare of the journey made. In reality it varies as to how enforceable this is.