Routing guide "abuse"

[mallard]

In my recent studies of the NR routing guide, I have discovered that it seems to permit some truly absurd routes for some journeys. These routes usually involve large "loops" that allow you to pass your destination on a different line and then approach from the "wrong" direction, without actually doubling back on oneself.

The most egregious example I have yet found is Loughborough - Wolverhampton, which seems to be valid via Swansea/Llaneli of all places (maps CN+CE+EM), by travelling via Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and Swansea, (map CE) then along the heart of Wales line via Craven Arms, Shrewsbury and on to Wolverhampton (map CN).

Am I interpreting the Routing Guide and associated rules correctly here? I assume I would have difficulty convincing a ticket inspector of the validity here, so what would the best way to do that be (assuming I haven't made a mistake)?

 

[wintonian]

How can you abuse something that is allowed by the 'official guide'?

Mind you some TOC staff seem to think people abuse rovers by riding around on trains all day as if they are (where) advertised as allowing unlimited travel within a specific area.

 

[mallard]

Ah, it seems that the maps are not in the correct order for that particular route to be valid! However, there are some (less) absurd routes that are possible, e.g. Birmingham to London via map CS shows a validity via Redhill and Clapham Junction, a similar "overshoot and go back" type route which may raise eyebrows from inspection staff...
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No, I'm actually very confused about the "map ordering" rules of Step 7 of the RG instructions. It says to apply the maps in order, moving from one to the next, etc, but in my initial example, the destination (Wolverhampton), in not even on the last map (EM)!?

If, however I am allowed to use the maps in a different order, e.g. EM -> CE -> CN (reverse order, since map EM contains the origin, but not the destination) then the absurd validity via Swansea reappears?!

Maybe it'll make sense in the morning...

 

[wintonian]

I tend to take it as using the maps in order, either forwards or backwards assuming the same maps in the same order would be used for the return/ reverse journey.

Can’t think of an example right now but I have come across the odd route that is clearly valid but only works with the guide if the maps are in reverse order.

 

[OwlMan]

Section F of the roteing guide expands on the insructions in Section A. Codes are listed with the first/last map in alphabetical order so CE+GB+BE would not appear and would be shown as BG+GB+CE. The maps must be read in order starting from either end.
Regarding maps the expanded instructions are

If the route code has several maps, route tracing must observe the following rules:
1. Tracing must start at one of the ends of the route code.
2. All maps must be used.
3. Maps must be used in strict sequence, first to last or last to first, according to the
end of the route code where reading began.
4. Tracing may move from map to map only at a point where the two maps touch.
5. Once route tracing has left a map it cannot return to it.
6. Journeys may not double back except between stations which are members of a
routeing point group for interchange or unless an easement permits it.

Peter

 

[mallard]

So just to confirm then, by using maps EM (Loughborough to Derby), CE (Derby to Swansea via Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff) and CN (Swansea to Wolverhampton via Craven Arms and Shrewsbury) a Loughborough to Wolverhampton ticket would be valid via South Wales then?

I assume the intent of that series of maps was to allow travel via Derby and Birmingham, but since CE includes the entire cross country route and CN just happens to have the heart of Wales line it "accidentally" (although legally bindingly) allows the ~300 mile detour?

 

[OwlMan]

Yes that is a perfectly valid route!!:roll:

peter

 

[mallard]

Ok, now that the confusion has settled, what am I supposed to say to an FGW or ATW ticket inspector when they inevitably wonder why I am a hundred miles west of my destination? Just tell them to look it up in the RG?

 

[A60K]

Before you attempt something like that, have you made absolutely sure your proposed route has passed the (very important!) fares check rule?

 

[OwlMan]

Before you attempt something like that, have you made absolutely sure your proposed route has passed the (very important!) fares check rule?

Travelling between two routeing points involves no fare check.

Peter

 

[Mojo]

It is not wise to post these on the forum, which Atoc do look at and can remove.

 

[yorkie]

Ok, now that the confusion has settled, what am I supposed to say to an FGW or ATW ticket inspector when they inevitably wonder why I am a hundred miles west of my destination? Just tell them to look it up in the RG?

Print out the relevant pages, e.g. the maps and the page that states the valid map combinations.

ATOC should fix it in the next revision, as now that you've revealed it here they will shortly be aware of it. They're not particularly efficient at updating the guide though so it could even last a few months, but don't count on that.