Taunton Burton via Reading

[Halsebee]

Can anyone confirm a Taunton Burton On Trent Off peak ticket is valid via Reading on any train, and that FGW's policy of no off peak tickets on the fast commuter services in the morning, and the PM restrictions out of Paddington and Reading do NOT apply to these tickets? Also if I use the tickets, what do I say to a hostile guard, if they don't accept this. Also would these tickets operate barriers at Reasing for a break of journey?

 

[dan_atki]

It is valid via Reading only if travelling between Taunton and Reading via Newbury (by maps MW and WE of the routeing guide).

The off peak return has restriction code 8X which means travel by any train except those timed to depart before 0500. If travelling after that time and the guard disagrees then politely ask them to check the restriction code for your ticket and what it means.

It is unlikely the barriers at Reading have been programmed for breaks of journey considering how much information this would require. Again, if the barrier staff refuse to let you out ask them to check the restrictions of your ticket.

 

[yorkie]

FGW's policy of no off peak tickets on the fast commuter services in the morning, and the PM restrictions out of Paddington and Reading do NOT apply to these tickets?

FGW's policy does not apply to tickets priced by XC.

Ask them to look up the restriction code (As Dan Atki says, it's 8X - but let them look it up!!!) if they come back with anything other than 8X, put them right and ask for their name and details as they are lying. If they admit it's 8X ask them what that means and they'll be forced to admit that it's valid.

If any guards do refuse, make sure you get their name and write to FGW pointing out that they need to give the guard additional trai

As for barriers at Reading, there have been reports of them being hostile. In which case it might be worth buying a Reading West-Reading (£2 SDR or £1.70 CDR valid after 0930) to avoid hassle. I once had a lot of hassle at Slough when breaking a journey and I wished I'd just got a ticket from somewhere like Windsor to avoid the hassle. They tried to withdraw my ticket. Eventually I won the argument but it took time and was unpleasant. The people on the barriers were hostile and uneducated.

 

[devon_metro]

You aren't likely to be picked up by an Exeter/Plymouth guard, they are all fairly reasonable.

 

[glynn80]

It is valid via Reading only if travelling between Taunton and Reading via Newbury (by maps MW and WE of the routeing guide).

I'm pretty sure this is incorrect and it is valid via both Bristol and Newbury

Taunton is a routeing point

Burton on Trent is a member of Derby, Nottingham and Tamworth routeing points.

Taunton to Burton on Trent (SVR- £65.20)
Taunton to Derby (SVR- £71.10) Fails fare check rule
Taunton to Nottingham (SVR £71.10) Fails fare check rule
Taunton to Tamworth (SVR £63.20) Passes fare check rule

So the valid routes between Taunton and Tamworth are
CE, CE+SW, MW+SW, MW+WE, MW+WR, SW+MW+TL, TL+MW+WE, TL+MW+WR

Using maps MW+SW

Starting on map SW you can travel Taunton to Bristol (via Weston Super Mre also if you wish) and then Bristol to Swindon either via Parkway or Bath & Chippenham and finally then Swindon to Reading via Didcot.

Then once at Reading you can travel back via Didcot, Oxford Banbury, Coventry (or via Solihull if you wish) and then Birmingham to Tamworth.

This obviously does raise a few issues using the routeing guide, firstly using the maps in the order SW+MW instead of how they are written as MW+SW but on consulting the examples section the following is stated

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.

Also doubling back between Didcot and Reading, this is covered by an easment.

000082 Journeys via Swindon and Didcot or via Swindon to Didcot and routed Not London may double back between Reading and Didcot. This easements applies in both directions..

So the OP can legally travel via Reading, either travelling on a service via Bristol or Newbury to reach Reading, on any train after 0500.

 

[dan_atki]

Ah thanks for that - I missed the easement!