Interrail validity on Elizabeth Line?

[jamesontheroad]

Hi all.

No longer a UK resident, so using an Interrail ticket for some GB travels this month. Can you tell me if the pass is valid on the Elizabeth Line, specifically on a trip from Heathrow into east London?

Many thanks!

 

[Watershed]

Hi all.

No longer a UK resident, so using an Interrail ticket for some GB travels this month. Can you tell me if the pass is valid on the Elizabeth Line, specifically on a trip from Heathrow into east London?

Many thanks!

Yes, it is valid, including on the 'core'. The Interrail app shows Elizabeth line services (albeit not particularly up to date), should you have a mobile pass or be using the digital travel diary.

Note, however, that (as is the case elsewhere) it doesn't show valid 3 minute connections between EL services (e.g. if you are changing to a Shenfield service), nor does it reflect the 8 minute minimum connection time between EL and Thameslink services at Farringdon.

 

[jamesontheroad]

Yes, it is valid, including on the 'core'. The Interrail app shows Elizabeth line services (albeit not particularly up to date), should you have a mobile pass or be using the digital travel diary.

Note, however, that (as is the case elsewhere) it doesn't show valid 3 minute connections between EL services (e.g. if you are changing to a Shenfield service), nor does it reflect the 8 minute minimum connection time between EL and Thameslink services at Farringdon.

Many thanks.

No trouble getting in at Heathrow T2 + T3, but that was partly because the gateline agent wasn't even checking what was on the screen of my smart phone.

At Whitechapel, one gateline employee refused to let me exit, saying it wasn't valid, but after conferring with a colleague I was let through. I think there are two issues here: firstly 99.9% of Elizabeth Line passengers are going to be using TfL fares, so when an Interrailer shows up they're going to be presenting an unfamiliar type of ticket. Secondly, the on-screen formatting of the new digital Interrail pass is also unfamiliar, and needs human intervention since it can't be read by British gate line QR readers.

 

[Watershed]

Many thanks.

No trouble getting in at Heathrow T2 + T3, but that was partly because the gateline agent wasn't even checking what was on the screen of my smart phone.

At Whitechapel, one gateline employee refused to let me exit, saying it wasn't valid, but after conferring with a colleague I was let through. I think there are two issues here: firstly 99.9% of Elizabeth Line passengers are going to be using TfL fares, so when an Interrailer shows up they're going to be presenting an unfamiliar type of ticket. Secondly, the on-screen formatting of the new digital Interrail pass is also unfamiliar, and needs human intervention since it can't be read by British gate line QR readers.

Unfortunately I can't say I'm surprised by your experience at Whitechapel. At least they didn't try and claim it wasn't valid purely on the basis that it was a barcode ticket!

However, I was surprised to find that Avanti gatelines actually can scan the barcodes, as even RDG industry guidance says that the barcode is in a format not supported by British scanners.

 

[jamesontheroad]

However, I was surprised to find that Avanti gatelines actually can scan the barcodes, as even RDG industry guidance says that the barcode is in a format not supported by British scanners.

Interesting. Heading to Liverpool Street (mainline) later, maybe I’ll have some luck there?

 

[miklcct]

Many thanks.

No trouble getting in at Heathrow T2 + T3, but that was partly because the gateline agent wasn't even checking what was on the screen of my smart phone.

At Whitechapel, one gateline employee refused to let me exit, saying it wasn't valid, but after conferring with a colleague I was let through. I think there are two issues here: firstly 99.9% of Elizabeth Line passengers are going to be using TfL fares, so when an Interrailer shows up they're going to be presenting an unfamiliar type of ticket. Secondly, the on-screen formatting of the new digital Interrail pass is also unfamiliar, and needs human intervention since it can't be read by British gate line QR readers.

Whitechapel has also been an Overground station for years so the staff there should be familiar with National Rail ticketing.

 

[jamesontheroad]

Chapeau to TfL customer service who replied. This suggests the agent thought the problem was at Heathrow not Whitechapel, but a very quick response to my complaint (this morning) was appreciated.

Thank you for your feedback form of 20 January about the issues you have experienced using your Interrail Pass at Heathrow Airport.

I appreciate this must have been a frustrating experience for you based on what you have described on your feedback form, this is not how we expect customers to feel when using our services.

Upon further investigation there appears to be a mixture of Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line staff depending on the time of day travelled.

Interrail is valid on Elizabeth Line services however, we do not have QR code scanners so you would need to produce the QR code and show it to a member of staff.

Should you encounter any issues please also show staff this email that explains that interrail passes are valid on Elizabeth Line services.

Comments will also be passed on to Area Management so that our staff can be re-briefed accordingly.

I can only apologise for the inconvenience and frustration this has caused you.

Thanks again for contacting us. If there is anything else we can help you with, please reply to this email. Alternatively, you can call us on 0343 222 1234 and we'll be happy to help you.

Kind regards

 

[Horizon22]

Whitechapel has also been an Overground station for years so the staff there should be familiar with National Rail ticketing.

Its managed by London Underground staff.

 

[Deerfold]

Its managed by London Underground staff.

Who have dealt with NR ticketing for years, at this location.

 

[Horizon22]

Who have dealt with NR ticketing for years, at this location.

True, not defending them as they should no better but just clarifying the station manager/staffing. The TfL report whilst a decent response seemingly misattributed the issue to Heathrow. Also Heathrow is very heavily branded for Heathrow Express and there's barely any Elizabeth line staff about.

 

[matt_world2004]

It is valid on the Elizabeth line and its validity is confirmed in the customer service brief issued to tfl staff for the Elizabeth line

 

[Joe Paxton]

Chapeau to TfL customer service who replied. This suggests the agent thought the problem was at Heathrow not Whitechapel, but a very quick response to my complaint (this morning) was appreciated.

I'd suggest a follow-up message pointing out the problem was actually at (LU managed) Whitechapel.

 

[mangyiscute]

I've entered and exited at Paddington with one recently and had no issues with the gateline staff - mine did not work on either the thameslink or gwr scanners

 

[Wallsendmag]

I've entered and exited at Paddington with one recently and had no issues with the gateline staff - mine did not work on either the thameslink or gwr scanners

Interrail useses a different barcode format incompatable with the GB rail network systems although TTK TIS are able to validate it now.