Negative Easements

[Sirius]

Hi all,

I’m looking for advice on travelling on a season ticket. I don’t want to disclose the stations as this is a loophole I believe the TOC would seek to close by negative easement.

Existing negative easements cover a number of stations on both lines preventing use of a common routing point.

Can anyone suggest the best way to handle being challenged by onboard staff who, incorrectly, would believe there is a restriction on using the ticket as there are restrictions on most other options for journeys between neighbouring stations?

 

[ForTheLoveOf]

Hi all,

I’m looking for advice on travelling on a season ticket. I don’t want to disclose the stations as this is a loophole I believe the TOC would seek to close by negative easement.

Existing negative easements cover a number of stations on both lines preventing use of a common routing point.

Can anyone suggest the best way to handle being challenged by onboard staff who, incorrectly, would believe there is a restriction on using the ticket as there are restrictions on most other options for journeys between neighbouring stations?

Make sure to download the Routeing Guide easement list (as well as the Yellow and Pink pages and the relevant map(s)) as of the date you buy the season ticket. Save it as a PDF file, with the date and URL showing in the header/footer, print it out, carry it with you and preferably back it up in several locations (e.g. on your phone, cloud etc.) to make sure you don't lose it. Make sure that what you are proposing to do is absolutely 100% watertight!

Obviously, if you are challenged and the relevant member of staff doesn't accept your explanation of the validity then it may be easiest to pay up and then reclaim it later (as otherwise you may be dealt with by means of a report for prosecution or a Penalty Fare, both of which are undesirable as they risk a criminal record if you don't properly defend them). IMO, no approach is particularly more advantageous than the other - you should be aware that if or when this matter comes to the attention of anyone working at the TOC's (back)office, it will undoubtedly be fixed. It's up to you whether the hassle and time you may spend with all this is worth it.

 

[gordonthemoron]

My favourable Northampton-Knustford Off Peak ticket at all times was stopped when I was unfortunately checked on a Virgin service

 

[Sirius]

I don’t know if it’s helpful but the NRE website/app and that of the TOCs in question (plus train line, etc) offer the route I intend to take when planning a route between the two stations on the season ticket.

 

[ForTheLoveOf]

I don’t know if it’s helpful but the NRE website/app and that of the TOCs in question (plus train line, etc) offer the route I intend to take when planning a route between the two stations on the season ticket.

It is informative though not necessarily binding if this is provided. If you bought an individual ticket in conjunction with such an itinerary there could be no question that it defines that route as valid. However, there are cases where season and individual tickets have varying validities so this cannot really be relied upon.

 

[cactustwirly]

Hi all,

I’m looking for advice on travelling on a season ticket. I don’t want to disclose the stations as this is a loophole I believe the TOC would seek to close by negative easement.

Existing negative easements cover a number of stations on both lines preventing use of a common routing point.

Can anyone suggest the best way to handle being challenged by onboard staff who, incorrectly, would believe there is a restriction on using the ticket as there are restrictions on most other options for journeys between neighbouring stations?

Can you get NRE or a Journey planner to show an intinerary with the ticket?
If it does, then print off an itinerary and the staff should accept it

 

[ForTheLoveOf]

Can you get NRE or a Journey planner to show an intinerary with the ticket?
If it does, then print off an itinerary and the staff should accept it

OP has posted above to say that this is possible.

 

[Sirius]

Thanks very much for your input everyone. As for the saving it’s quite significant when it all adds up.

I guess I know that due to the similarity of the ticket with other restrictions it isn’t likely to last long. I considered dailies but I think it’d stick out like a sore thumb with its lower price than the tickets in the hands of those seated around me. A season during commuting hours is a bit more conspicuous.

I doubt the loophole will last long after my first conversation with a guard.