Two Anytime fares...

[dry]

Hi, new to the forum

Could anyone explain why there are two Anytime fares for this, and why one of them is cheaper than an Off Peak single?

I've heard the fare system is complicated, so is this just completely random or intentional?

Thanks

 

[ainsworth74]

The cheapest Anytime fare is a single, the Off-Peak fare is a return as is the second Anytime fare.

 

[dry]

I see... Thanks!

*walks off red faced*

 

[ainsworth74]

No come back!

It's nothing to warrant a red faced walk as firstly the fares structure is complex and secondly I don't think National Rail Enquires does a very good job of actually showing you what the various options are (this isn't the first time someone has fallen into the trap you did)!

Anyway welcome aboard, have a look around, we're a friendly bunch and quite knowledgeable about ticketing matters

 

[Howardh]

Wonder if anybody's actually bought a first-class ticket for a journey of four minutes? Hmm, wonder what you get - a leggy blond waitress serving you tea and lots of crumpet, and what do you get for the other three minutes??

 

[142094]

Wonder if anybody's actually bought a first-class ticket for a journey of four minutes? Hmm, wonder what you get - a leggy blond waitress serving you tea and lots of crumpet, and what do you get for the other three minutes??

When the slam door stock was on the Lymington branch you could upgrade to a 1st class compartment for a bit extra, although no idea if anyone took it up.

 

[tony_mac]

There are places where there the cheapest ticket is an Anytime - but TOC specific, whereas the 'Any permitted' off-peak is more expensive.

 

[stut]

Wonder if anybody's actually bought a first-class ticket for a journey of four minutes? Hmm, wonder what you get - a leggy blond waitress serving you tea and lots of crumpet, and what do you get for the other three minutes??

There were times in the not too distant past when some companies would only buy 1st class rail fares for business travel. Some managers were very insistent on it, fearing it was a case of 'use it or lose it'.

The most ridiculous case I heard of was a friend of mine who worked for a large multinational on a graduate scheme. Travel policy dictated that even travel from the airport to your home had to be booked by the company, not reclaimed. This person lived a 2-minute walk from Kingston upon Thames station.

He was returning from a business trip from the US, flying into Gatwick. As it's an easy train journey, he asked them to book train tickets for the return. As the travel book couldn't find a first class fare to Kingston (no surprise there), he was booked to Surbiton, with a taxi booked to wait for him there to take him home. Yup, they wouldn't let him travel on a standard-only train on business.

 

[Tomonthetrain]

Wonder if anybody's actually bought a first-class ticket for a journey of four minutes? Hmm, wonder what you get - a leggy blond waitress serving you tea and lots of crumpet, and what do you get for the other three minutes??

Done that!