OXP-UNI - any route

[Dogwood]

Hi - I've searched and I don't think I've seen anyone ask or answer quite this question.

If one is traveling from Oxford Parkway to University (Birmingham), there are - I think - two straightforward ways.

Both begin by heading into Oxford.

One then gets the GWR train to Great Malvern, changes at Worcestershire Parkway, and then has a 20 minute journey to UNI. This is an any anytime via Evesham.

or

One gets one of the Cross Country routes northwards, changes at Birmingham New Street, and gets the seven minutes train to UNI. This is an anytime via Leamington.

In reverse, the same.

*How* does one buy a ticket (outward or return) which allows one to play it by ear and travel without restriction - i.e., either via Evesham or via Leamington - depending on how you feel/which is the most delayed, etc.

This isn't about train splitting (etc.), although it's frustrating that some websites pretend not to know that one can travel via WOP full stop. It's about how does one get flexibility?

Thank you.

 

[jfollows]

The only flexible ticket available between the two stations is restricted “via Banbury”, there is no “any permitted” ticket, so even if the routeing guide allows either route it’s not possible to buy a simple ticket giving you what you want.

EDIT If an “any permitted” ticket existed, it would only be valid via Birmingham as well, not via Barnt Green.

There is an “any permitted” ticket to Bromsgrove, but this doesn’t help you because it’s only valid via Evesham, so no flexibility either.

 

[Cantab26]

One then gets the GWR train to Great Malvern, changes at Worcestershire Parkway, and then has a 20 minute journey to UNI. This is an any anytime via Evesham.

There is no Evesham routed Anytime fare between Oxford Parkway and University.

*How* does one buy a ticket (outward or return) which allows one to play it by ear and travel without restriction - i.e., either via Evesham or via Leamington - depending on how you feel/which is the most delayed, etc.

You don’t, because all walk-up fares between Oxford Parkway and University are routed “via Banbury”.

This isn't about train splitting (etc.), although it's frustrating that some websites pretend not to know that one can travel via WOP full stop. It's about how does one get flexibility?

You are not permitted to travel via Worcestershire Parkway on these walk-up fares.

 

[30907]

It may not help, but from stations Hanborough to Kingham you can use either route, but you pay £6 more.

 

[Dogwood]

Thanks, all. Hanborough would be a bit more of a faff but that's worth knowing.

I should have been more precise: the via Evesham relates to the journey from OXP to WOP. WOP to UNI was indeed a separate ticket.

Frustrating but it is what it is.

 

[BlueLeanie]

Thanks, all. Hanborough would be a bit more of a faff but that's worth knowing.

I should have been more precise: the via Evesham relates to the journey from OXP to WOP. WOP to UNI was indeed a separate ticket.

Frustrating but it is what it is.

Well, it might suit you for what you are looking for. The "Anytime", via Worcester fare from HND is £58.20, so no need to wait for the 09:39 from Oxford to avoid a £104 fare! Just need to pay the fare to HND or park there.