If your TOC-specific train is cancelled, should you be able to get the next even if it's a different TOC?

[miklcct]

In my opinion, Advance tickets should not have TOC restrictions. They should have geographical route restrictions instead. If a booked train is delayed or cancelled, the passenger should be able to travel on either of
- the original booked train, if it is delayed
- the next available train which runs on the same geographical route as the booked train

(These two are the same train if there aren't any other trains between the scheduled departure time and the actual departure time).

For flexible tickets with TOC restrictions, I suggest that the TOC restrictions should be waived if there are no other trains from the same TOC expected within the next 30 minutes after the original departure, and such tickets should only be available on routes where the TOC normally offers a half-hourly or more frequent service, such that people don't usually aim for a specific train.

 

[Belperpete]

As I understand it, Advance fares were originally introduced so that TOCs could take the whole fare for that ticket, rather than having to share it like they do with the regulated fares. The whole point of an advance fare is that because you are restricted to travelling on that particular TOC's train, they should get all the money.

 

[JamesT]

As I understand it, Advance fares were originally introduced so that TOCs could take the whole fare for that ticket, rather than having to share it like they do with the regulated fares. The whole point of an advance fare is that because you are restricted to travelling on that particular TOC's train, they should get all the money.

I was under the impression that BR introduced what were then called Apex fares which today's Advances are the descendants.