Stopping short within station group

[po8crg]

I have an advance first from Poulton-le-Fylde to Manchester Stations. The associated reservation is for today's 18:48 to Manchester Oxford Road. Am I allowed to stop short at Deansgate station, which is part of the Manchester Stations group?

 

[Sacro]

No...

 

[185143]

Officially no, but in practice it would be accepted without batting an eyelid!

 

[Bletchleyite]

As this is quite evidently not to avoid paying an additional fare (as it'd be the same), I can't see there being any problem, per the ATOC guidelines I think Yorkie posted about this kind of thing.

Neil

 

[po8crg]

I hadn't realized the train stopped at Deansgate, or I'd have booked to there in the first place. I'll ask the guard when my ticket is checked.

 

[Starmill]

You have a ticket to Manchester Stations. Deansgate is a member of the Manchester Stations group. Why on earth would anyone think that's not OK...

 

[hairyhandedfool]

It should be noted that there is an easement for double back through Oxford Road for travel to or from Deansgate Station, so I doubt getting off early would be noticed in this case.

You have a ticket to Manchester Stations. Deansgate is a member of the Manchester Stations group. Why on earth would anyone think that's not OK...

Because it says it's only valid on the booked train(s) and the booked train is to Oxford Road?

Bear in mind, also, that I've had people ask if stations like Salford Crescent and Bolton are included in 'Manchester Stations'.

 

[jkdd77]

Advance tickets may only be used between the stations specified on the ticket, but, IMO, the phrase "stations" is as specified on the ticket 'proper', as distinct from the mandatory reservation coupon which accompanies and validates the ticket.

I think this the validity of this situation is arguable either way.

 

[po8crg]

I asked the guard, and he was happy for me to get off at Deansgate, so I saved myself about five minutes walking home.

 

[yorkie]

As I said last time the rules allow an excess to be charged, to the lowest priced ticket that would allow finishing short (if you are considered to be finishing short, which you're arguably not in this case)

However ATOC guidance to staff is not to charge an excess fare in the circumstances you describe.

There are plenty of publications who would like to write an article of any case of a person who is charged an excess (or, even more so, an incorrect new fare or penalty fare) for doing this. In theory there should be no more of these stories because I trust all staff would adhere to the guidance.