Off Peak fare Question

[CheshirePaul]

Advise needed please.

Route is Nantwich To Liverpool Lime St via Crewe.

National Rail shows that if you get the 9.05 from Nantwich you can purchase an off peak fare, the Nantwich to Crewe is on ATW and then Crewe to Liverpool on LM. On a couple of times the guard on the ATW train has sold me the off peak ticket and told me the following: The reason that you can do this is because the only fare between Nantwich and Crewe is an anytime fare, so as long as the LM train from Crewe to Liverpool is after 9.30am then its not a issue.

The problem I have is that most ATW guards say it has to be a anytime ticket to Liverpool thats £5 more expensive, even when I show them the National Rail print out of the price.

Is National Rail correct and as long as I don't leave Crewe till after 9.30 can I buy the off peak fare on the 9.05 ATW to Crewe.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ChrisTheRef]

The Cheap Day Return is valid on any train departing after 9am and costs £9.40

 

[yorkie]

On a couple of times the guard on the ATW train has sold me the off peak ticket and told me the following: The reason that you can do this is because the only fare between Nantwich and Crewe is an anytime fare, so as long as the LM train from Crewe to Liverpool is after 9.30am then its not a issue.

This is made-up story-telling. It's so far-fetched and ridiculous it's almost funny! I suggest asking them where this reason is documented, I'd also be getting their name and writing to ATW.

The problem I have is that most ATW guards say it has to be a anytime ticket to Liverpool thats £5 more expensive, even when I show them the National Rail print out of the price.

I would point out it's their job to look up the restriction and could they please do so and read out exactly what it says? I would remind them that they are obliged to adhere to the terms of the Ticketing and Settlement Agreement, and that if they do not wish to adhere to that, then ATW are in breach of a franchise commitment, and can I have their name so that management can be informed. Be polite, but firm. Assertive, not aggressive or passive. Know your rights and don't let them fob you off.

I would refuse to pay any more than the Off Peak fare, on the 0905 service. If they refuse to look up the restriction on their machine, they are refusing to do their job correctly and refusing to fulfil their obligations.

Is National Rail correct and as long as I don't leave Crewe till after 9.30 can I buy the off peak fare on the 9.05 ATW to Crewe.

Thanks in advance.

The restriction is as Chris says above, there is nothing about leaving Crewe after a certain time. They're making it up, which is unacceptable.