Ticket Acceptance with Split Tickets

[TravelDream]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone had advice for this.

I am traveling from A to B on three different tickets. One advanced stopping, and two anytime tickets.

The train is cancelled as is the next one meaning the next scheduled train on the route is in two hours. This is pretty routine as it's a Sunday.

The operator has agreed ticket acceptance with another operator. That route would be valid anyway with an anytime ticket, but requires a connection and is a bit longer so can't imagine many ordinarily take it. Acceptance means those with advance tickets can now use that option.

For me, it means that a) I will be on trains and operators that aren't valid for my ticket (though there's acceptance so it should be OK) and b) the new trains will not stop at the split points of my tickets.

Is this OK or against the rules?

Thanks

 

[yorkie]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone had advice for this.

I am traveling from A to B on three different tickets. One advanced stopping, one operator specific ticket, and one anytime ticket.

The train is cancelled as is the next one meaning the next scheduled train on the route is in two hours. This is pretty routine as it's a Sunday.

The operator has agreed ticket acceptance with another operator. That route would be valid anyway with an anytime ticket, but requires a connection and is a bit longer so can't imagine many ordinarily take it. Acceptance means those with advance tickets can now use that option.

For me, it means that a) I will be on trains and operators that aren't valid for my ticket (though there's acceptance so it should be OK) and b) the new trains will not stop at the split points of my tickets.

Is this OK or against the rules?

Thanks

Can you provide the full booked itinerary please?

 

[Watershed]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone had advice for this.

I am traveling from A to B on three different tickets. One advanced stopping, one operator specific ticket, and one anytime ticket.

The train is cancelled as is the next one meaning the next scheduled train on the route is in two hours. This is pretty routine as it's a Sunday.

The operator has agreed ticket acceptance with another operator. That route would be valid anyway with an anytime ticket, but requires a connection and is a bit longer so can't imagine many ordinarily take it. Acceptance means those with advance tickets can now use that option.

For me, it means that a) I will be on trains and operators that aren't valid for my ticket (though there's acceptance so it should be OK) and b) the new trains will not stop at the split points of my tickets.

Is this OK or against the rules?

Thanks

Without details of the stations involved, the original itinerary, and the tickets held, we can't give definitive advice as there may be specific circumstances that change the answer.

However, in general if there is ticket acceptance, this can waive TOC or route restrictions. If specifically stated, it could also waive the requirement to stop at your split station(s). If you are in doubt, I would suggest obtaining clarification (ideally in writing) from either of the operators concerned.

Provided the anticipated delay in arrival is more than 60 mins, you're entitled under Article 16 of the PRO to be re-routed at the earliest opportunity, which means that you should be given permission (or new ticket(s)) to take the next available train/itinerary regardless of route or operator. In so doing, you shouldn't be disadvantaged by holding split tickets as these constitute a through journey under the NRCoT, provided the usual prerequisites are met.

Unfortunately, the rail industry makes almost no effort to ensure staff and policies uphold passengers' PRO rights, so it wouldn't surprise me if you are told that your split tickets mean you can't take advantage of the ticket acceptance.

If this is the case and you're told that you must travel via the original route/TOC or call at the split point(s), despite this leading to a greater (avoidable) delay, you would be entitled to recover the cost of rerouting yourself by buying new tickets as necessary.

Of course, this may lead to some hassle as the process of reclaiming these costs may not necessarily be straightforward. In some cases it may require taking a TOC to the Rail Ombudsman and/or County Court.

 

[TravelDream]

Apologies both.

The tickets are:
Cardiff to Cheltenham Spa (Advanced)
Cheltenham Spa to Worcestershire Parkway
Worcestershire Parkway to Derby.

Typically done directly. Ticket acceptance is on GWR going via Bristol Parkway or Filton Abbey Wood - neither option would then have a stop at Worcestershire Parkway.

 

[30907]

Apologies both.

The tickets are:
Cardiff to Cheltenham Spa (Advanced)
Cheltenham Spa to Worcestershire Parkway
Worcestershire Parkway to Derby.

Typically done directly. Ticket acceptance is on GWR going via Bristol Parkway or Filton Abbey Wood - neither option would then have a stop at Worcestershire Parkway.

Your Advance is OK to Cheltenham.

After that, you should strictly change and wait for the next train to call at WOP, but (1) XC should re-route you anyway if the total delay is over an hour and (2) I would ask the train manager anyway - they aren't likely to object.

 

[sheff1]

In my experience, when multiple Cardiff - Birmingham/Nottingham trains are cancelled XC seem to add additional Worcestershire Parkway stops to some of the Bristol services.

If that doesn’t happen with your journey then, as above, most train managers will have no problem with you using a non-stop train, reagardless of any PRO knowledge.

 

[TravelDream]

Provided the anticipated delay in arrival is more than 60 mins, you're entitled under Article 16 of the PRO to be re-routed at the earliest opportunity, which means that you should be given permission (or new ticket(s)) to take the next available train/itinerary regardless of route or operator. In so doing, you shouldn't be disadvantaged by holding split tickets as these constitute a through journey under the NRCoT, provided the usual prerequisites are met.

Unfortunately, the rail industry makes almost no effort to ensure staff and policies uphold passengers' PRO rights, so it wouldn't surprise me if you are told that your split tickets mean you can't take advantage of the ticket acceptance.

How would I speak to XC staff?

At Cardiff, there are only ever TFW and usually GWR staff on public facing duty.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 Nov 2024 ==

After that, you should strictly change and wait for the next train to call at WOP, but (1) XC should re-route you anyway if the total delay is over an hour and (2) I would ask the train manager anyway - they aren't likely to object.

If that doesn’t happen with your journey then, as above, most train managers will have no problem with you using a non-stop train, reagardless of any PRO knowledge.

Let's hope this is the case!

 

[Watershed]

How would I speak to XC staff?

At Cardiff, there are only ever TFW and usually GWR staff on public facing duty.

Through social media would be the easiest way, I'd say.

How did you get on in the end?

 

[TravelDream]

How did you get on in the end?

It's tomorrow. Based on this, not well.

Travel Information | CrossCountry Trains

www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk