LM Evening peak restrictions

[t0ffeeman]

Looks like LM are bringing in EPRs as per FCC between 1645-1845 from Euston to Long Buckby from the new fares start (4th Jan?). Surprised no-one on here has noticed. Or is it so secret its only advertised at platform 16 at Euston.

 

[yorkie]

I wasn't aware of it. The TOCs do like to keep these things secret.

FCC restrict return portions of CDRs between 1630 and 1901 (inclusive) although the Any Permitted CDR to Peterborough is restricted between 1555 and 1901 as this is set by EC and they have different rules (they either co-incidentally chose 1901 as the end time or they colluded. My money's on the latter but who is going to take them to court? So they get away with it). SVRs set by FCC are restricted between 1730 and 1830 (both portions), while return portions of SVRs set by EC are unrestricted and for outward portions restricted 1559-1745. SSRs set by EC are restricted between 1458 and 1858. Nation

Simple!

ATOC claim that all these tickets count as "Off Peak" type tickets, this new name "[simplifies] the choice, allowing you to choose your rail ticket with confidence" and "The new fare names describe when you can buy or use your ticket, making it easier for you to decide what ticket suits your journey."

So, as all these tickets are called Off Peak, you can immediately figure out when they are valid, as the name Off Peak describes when they can be used. Anyone can work out all the times posted above simply, and confidently

For a laugh:-
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/simple_fares.html

And, seriously, anyone have a few thousand quid to take them to court over blatant lying, misleading the public and entrapment?

 

[t0ffeeman]

From what I read last night. Its very similar except simpler as LM don't go south of the river. Will push up the price of the OPDTC for many as per FCC.

 

[yorkie]

From what I read last night. Its very similar except simpler as LM don't go south of the river. Will push up the price of the OPDTC for many as per FCC.

But don't forget that they can't implement restrictions inside the Zones. So you'll be fine to Harrow & Wealdstone (HRW). It may also be cheaper to split there.

Splitting at Hadley Wood isn't much good for FCC passengers, but Harrow will do nicely for LM.

That said, CDRs to HRW are being abolished due to Oyster, but the Travelcard will remain valid to HRW throughout the evening peak.

 

[Mojo]

I'd made a post about WM evening restrictions a month ago: http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=28220 and seems the ones from EUS are different?

 

[yorkie]

Indeed. The name "Off Peak" "describes when you can use your ticket", therefore it will be a completely different time from Birmingham as it is from London, this is to ensure it is "simple" and you can buy "in confidence". I believe there are over 1,000 different restrictions in force, this is designed to ensure simplicity and confidence. It is, of course, not to entrap and confuse customers, oh no it isn't, it's to help them

 

[Helvellyn]

I think some of these restrictions are being brought in because of Oyster Pay As You Go being introduced on all TOCs in London in January.

We've been told that Off-peak Day Returns are being abolished in the Travelcard area, and that peak fares on Oyster will apply 16:00 to 19:00. The brief we have (from ATOC) states this is specifically to force people onto Oyster to get the cheapest fare for travel in London.

SWT are also restricting the use of Super Off-peak tickets out of Waterloo and Clapham to all destinations on their network beween 16:00 and 19:00.

I'm with Barry Doe - abolish all return tickets. That way you have to buy the correct ticket for the time of day you are travelling. You'd have to change all the prices so two Anytime Singles cost the price of an old Anytime Return, but that way passengers could mix and match fares a lot easier than now. It would benefit people who can only get (or only want) and Advance fare one way too.