Shrewsbury to Wigan via Manchester

[Essexman]

Can anyone tell me if an off peak (day) return from Shrewsbury to Wigan (any station) is valid via Manchester?
Ideally would like to travel out via Manchester & back via Crewe.
Thanks

 

[bb21]

Yes. Map CS permits Shrewsbury - Wolves - Stafford - (Crewe) - (Stoke on Trent) - Stockport - Manchester Group - Bolton - Preston - Wigan, a bit long and winded.

 

[island]

An off-peak day return is not, because if you have one, it is counterfeit; they don't exist on the flow!

As for an off-peak return, Shrewsbury and Wigan Group are both routeing points, and permitted maps are BD, CS, and MW. CS will do the job, but you must be careful not to double back (i.e. pass through the same station twice) and to stay on the map. It can only be done by going from Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton then Stafford, Wilmslow and/or Stockport, Manchester, Bolton, Preston, Wigan. You cannot go directly from Manchester to Wigan — you must go via Preston.

 

[strange6]

Yes. Map CS permits Shrewsbury - Wolves - Stafford - (Crewe) - (Stoke on Trent) - Stockport - Manchester Group - Bolton - Preston - Wigan, a bit long and winded.

Is it really valid via Preston from Bolton since Wigan trains go directly from Bolton about 6 miles. Going up to preston would be about 20 miles plus a change and about 14 miles back down to Wigan!
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You cannot go directly from Manchester to Wigan — you must go via Preston.

Really? lol Still, you'll get another hours train time for nothing!

 

[bb21]

Is it really valid via Preston from Bolton since Wigan trains go directly from Bolton about 6 miles. Going up to preston would be about 20 miles plus a change and about 14 miles back down to Wigan!
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Really? lol Still, you'll get another hours train time for nothing!

Yes I know it's crazy. If you go direct from Manchester or Bolton not passing Preston you're liable to be excessed.

 

[Lampshade]

It's similar to Leicester - Chester being valid via Manchester. From Manchester onwards it's only valid via Styal, Wilmslow and Crewe rather than on a direct service hock:

#simplification

 

[Essexman]

Thanks
So am I correct that if I want to travel Shrewsbury - Manchester - Wigan (direct from Manchester - not via Preston) and return Wigan - Crewe - Shrewsbury, an off peak return would not be vaild. But I could buy an extra single from Manchester to Wigan then travel direct (ie not up to Preston and back)?

 

[island]

That is all correct. Now the chance of getting surcharged probably isn't too high, but we can't recommend you knowingly go off route.

 

[Essexman]

That is all correct. Now the chance of getting surcharged probably isn't too high, but we can't recommend you knowingly go off route.

Thanks

 

[bb21]

You are free to do that.

Edit: Oops, way too late.

 

[strange6]

Thanks
So am I correct that if I want to travel Shrewsbury - Manchester - Wigan (direct from Manchester - not via Preston) and return Wigan - Crewe - Shrewsbury, an off peak return would not be vaild. But I could buy an extra single from Manchester to Wigan then travel direct (ie not up to Preston and back)?

It would only cost you £3.50 for the single. Well worth it to save you all that inconvenience!

 

[gnolife]

people are saying that going through Preston is necessary, but wouldnt that be fouling the Double Back rule between Leyland and Preston, or is there an easement? (a bit late i know, but just a thought)

 

[bb21]

I believe you have a point.

 

[tony_mac]

Shrewsbury to Manchester is valid via Wigan.

it would also be cheaper as there is a 'Not Wolverhampton' day return.

 

[Olympian]

Can anyone tell me if an off peak (day) return from Shrewsbury to Wigan (any station) is valid via Manchester?
Ideally would like to travel out via Manchester & back via Crewe.
Thanks

All the journey planners I've looked at for this journey (Shrewsbury - Wigan via Manchester) allow travel for the Shrewsbury to Manchester leg to be either via Wolverhampton or on direct trains via Crewe, but then between Manchester and Wigan on the same journey they will allow travel on direct trains to Wigan, also journeys via Bolton but NOT via Preston. I've also tried via Chorley (to eliminate doubling-back through Leyland) and they're not showing that as allowed either.

So it would certainly appear that your proposed journey is indeed valid but, according to the journey planners at least, you aren't being forced to also go via both Wolverhampton and Preston and, in fact, you can't go via Preston. Are the planners wrong?

 

[Essexman]

To report back:

Shrewsbury to Wigan, out via Manchester & back via Crewe was achieved without difficulty with an off peak return.

When asked if it was valid route the booking clerk at Shrewsbury said no as it would mean 'the train operator wouldn't get their share of the fare'.

Thanks for the help.

(just a shame West Ham lost though!)

 

[bb21]

When asked if it was valid route the booking clerk at Shrewsbury said no as it would mean 'the train operator wouldn't get their share of the fare'.

Lame excuse and totally wrong.