Using the return part first.

[ChrisTheRef]

There is a line running from A to C. There's a station in between called B.

I buy a CDR from A to C. Can my journey start at B and go B > A, A > C, then C > B?

Help appreciated.

 

[dan_atki]

No, the Conditions of Carriage state that the Outward portion of a return is only valid with a completely unused return portion. I.E. as soon as you use the return portion the outward becomes invalidated.

I have seen some guards ask to see return portions of tickets when presented with an outward.

 

[Matt Taylor]

Correct, I have asked for outward portions where I suspect something is amiss. It is to prevent people from using tickets that have been discarded by other passengers.

 

[me123]

It also makes sure that you're paying the full fare. In several cases, you can save money using the tickets the wrong way around (mostly travelling to London).

 

[Krispo]

Some people throw tickets away after they have used them though.

 

[yorkie]

You cannot ask for outward portions if the customer is using the return! I guess you mean you ask for the return if they are using the outward after the date shown on the ticket?

The rule that you have to be in possession of the return in order to use the outward only exists for Anytime tickets (that's Anytime without the day), and generally you are asked if using them after the start date. Obviously this was more the case back when they were Standard Opens with a validity of 1 month.

 

[hairyhandedfool]

The NCoC (which you agree to when you use/"buy" the ticket) says:

17. Using a return ticket

A return ticket (including a two part return ticket) is only valid for the outward journey shown on that ticket if it is completely unused. You may not use the outward part of a return ticket after you have used the return.

So I would say you could use the return portion (of any ticket type) for the first bit, but if they stamp it (or mark it to show use) you would be asking for trouble if you then used the outward portion of the same ticket to continue your journey.

Hope that clears it up.