Valid reasons for NOT Using a Ticket Machine

[RJ]

That system is so open to abuse!

I'm old fashioned and take the view that, where possible, rail staff ought to be supporting the booking office.

Obviously that is not possible at many rural stations which are unstaffed! However, I don't see a problem with buying on board, keeping the guard's sales figures up....

I used to think like that - but twice in a row when I've approached the guard at least three minutes prior to departure to ask politely to buy a Priv ticket from them, I've been told rather bluntly to go and get it from a TVM (yes, I know.) One was at a station where the ticket office was shut. I CBA to deal with that kind of attitude, so now if I can't get it from the ticket office, I'll simply take a seat on the train and not bother going out of my way to say hello.

 

[trc666]

That is rather poor training if you were told to go and buy a PRIV ticket from a TVM as that's impossible, did you make a complaint?

 

[AlterEgo]

I can't see why the T&Cs of rail staff are anyone's business TBH. I'm sure their overall package is no better/worse than comparable jobs in other industries.

No, it isn't any of their business. So why publicise them?

It's the perception and reaction, however unjustifiable, that I was passing comment on.

 

[4SRKT]

No, it isn't any of their business. So why publicise them?

It's the perception and reaction, however unjustifiable, that I was passing comment on.

So was I. but I don't think someone else's unjustifiable reaction is a reason to not do something. You shouldn't publicise them, but neither should you hide them. It's common knowledge for anyone who takes the trouble to look.