Rover defaced by Train Manager

[David Goddard]

Currently on a long distance service on day one of our All Line Rovers.
The Train Manager came along about half an hour ago and scribbled all over them, as if the ticket was a standard single leg ticket.

I questioned it and he got very uppity, at one point tried to blame me for the way I presented them. At one point he offered to re-issue them, but couldn't (just as well a he could have claimed commission if I understand the system), but when his machine couldn't do it he endorsed the rear of the ticket to say error. All done with a very offish attitude as if to say "not my fault and not my problem"

Despite this, I am concerned I could now have to explain his actions for the rest of the week each time I present two Rovers which are heavily defaced. This has also spoiled the opening day of a holiday we have saved hard for six months to pay for, as well as the tickets which are our souvenirs and part of a presentation I was planning to do after the trip.

 

[Qwerty133]

I had a TM who tried to scribble over a season ticket once, he asked me to removed it so he mark it and I refused explaining it was a season ticket, he didn't seem to get it (language barrier, his English was very poor), but after about 20 mentions of season he gave up and walked off.

 

[David Goddard]

I will be putting it to the TOC in writing as it is not the first failure of the TOC on the service today.

 

[Flying Snail]

Currently on a long distance service on day one of our All Line Rovers.
The Train Manager came along about half an hour ago and scribbled all over them, as if the ticket was a standard single leg ticket.

I questioned it and he got very uppity, at one point tried to blame me for the way I presented them. At one point he offered to re-issue them, but couldn't (just as well a he could have claimed commission if I understand the system), but when his machine couldn't do it he endorsed the rear of the ticket to say error. All done with a very offish attitude as if to say "not my fault and not my problem"

Despite this, I am concerned I could now have to explain his actions for the rest of the week each time I present two Rovers which are heavily defaced. This has also spoiled the opening day of a holiday we have saved hard for six months to pay for, as well as the tickets which are our souvenirs and part of a presentation I was planning to do after the trip.

Could you go back to the ticket office that issued them and ask them to re-issue?

I have mentioned this here recently regarding my issues with staff incorrectly marking similar tickets (Britrail in my case) and I would strongly recommend any forum members using such tickets to always present them inside a ticket wallet. Staff do have a right to inspect them properly should they wish but having them in a wallet gives you time to tell them you do not want the ticket marked and more importantly it protects tickets from the casual scribbler that doesn't bother even reading tickets.

 

[Alistair G.]

Could when you get to your next station explain the situation that has occurred and the problems u foresee through the week and ask if they can re-issue the ticket (at no extra cost of course!)

 

[David Goddard]

As I have been assured that it will not affect validity, I will live with it.
Just a faff plus the bad experience of how it was handled.

 

[RJ]

I'd say there's close to no chance of it being reissued, unless it's the first day of validity and you return it to the TOC you originally purchased it from.

 

[David Goddard]

Precisely, and we don't go anywhere near that TOC's ticket offices until Tuesday at the earliest, by which time it will be nearly over.

 

[Squaddie]

It's only a ticket. Even with the scribblings it's still valid, and it will still be a souvenir of your trip.

Having saved so hard for this trip I think you should be enjoying it rather than logging onto Rail Forums... go and take a look at the new places you're visiting!

 

[greatkingrat]

Legally, the ticket is the property of the railway, and they are free to scribble on it if they so wish. You would only have any grounds for complaint if a future guard attempts to deny you travel because the ticket is marked.

 

[TEW]

A basic scribble is pretty nondescript on any normal return and can easily be explained to staff if questioned. I can't foresee any problems having a multi-use rover defaced.

 

[bb21]

I am with Squaddie on this. If it has been endorsed then relax. Stop worrying and certainly don't let it ruin your holiday. Chances are that you will end up having a laugh with some guards about how silly a mistake it was.

Some of my BritRails have tens of stamps and scribbles on them. No one ever batted an eyelid.

 

[DaveNewcastle]

It's only a ticket. Even with the scribblings it's still valid, . . .

Exactly!

I think you should be enjoying it rather than logging onto Rail Forums... go and take a look at the new places you're visiting!

unless you'd be willing to tell us about any of the new sights along the way, please!

Chances are that you will end up having a laugh with some guards about how silly a mistake it was.

I'd be making a point of having that laugh!

 

[ian1944]

Re. a souvenir of your trip, a well-scribbled ticket is like a well-stamped passport, evidence of a lot of miles. I'd see a tatty ticket an advantage when assembling an itinerary/diary/album.

 

[Urban Gateline]

When I did an ALR in May, I always presented the ticket out of the ticket wallet just as a normal ticket when inspected, to see if any Guard would mark it. Well on day 6 of 7 it was indeed stamped on a Greater Anglia service to Sheringham! The Guard soon noticed his mistake when he inspected my mate's ticket and we both laughed about it.

 

[grid56126]

Re. a souvenir of your trip, a well-scribbled ticket is like a well-stamped passport, evidence of a lot of miles. I'd see a tatty ticket an advantage when assembling an itinerary/diary/album.

Like this one?
http://grid56126.zenfolio.com/p773048280/e105d5159

I agree, lots of good memories

 

[Whistlekiller]

This has also spoiled the opening day of a holiday we have saved hard for six months to pay for, as well as the tickets which are our souvenirs and part of a presentation I was planning to do after the trip.

Your presentation will now be enhanced and made more interesting by the story of the scribbling! As Eric Idle once stated, "always look on the bright side of life"! Enjoy the rest if your holiday.

 

[table38]

"always look on the bright side of life"!

 

[Muzer]

Good job the glass isn't actually half-empty...
https://what-if.xkcd.com/6/