Why do ticket office know less ticketing rules than non-industry Railforum members?

[FenMan]

I've seen people quoting "google maps told me to do this" and it involved journeys in London including buses and Underground on journeys in some fantasy world where everything runs precisely on time.

The TfL Journey Planner allows only 4 minutes for passengers arriving on GWR at Paddington to connect with District/Circle Line services, comprised of a 2 minute allowance for the scheduled arrival time plus a 2 minute walk, which is a pretty heroic assumption. It also suppresses onward connections via Paddington's H&C platforms unless absolutely forced to do so, which causes it to display nonsense itineraries e.g. for Reading to Royal Oak it recommends Reading - Paddington - Paddington District/Circle platforms - Edgware Road - Royal Oak. D'oh!

 

[miklcct]

The TfL Journey Planner allows only 4 minutes for passengers arriving on GWR at Paddington to connect with District/Circle Line services, comprised of a 2 minute allowance for the scheduled arrival time plus a 2 minute walk, which is a pretty heroic assumption. It also suppresses onward connections via Paddington's H&C platforms unless absolutely forced to do so, which causes it to display nonsense itineraries e.g. for Reading to Royal Oak it recommends Reading - Paddington - Paddington District/Circle platforms - Edgware Road - Royal Oak. D'oh!

Which application do you suggest to use, which can navigate all forms of public transport? Or do you think it's just better to use a phone map which shows all the public transport routes (such as OpenStreetMap) and travel on the route which looks most direct?

 

[Runningaround]

A ticket office I recently asked for a change of route excess had 'never heard of excess fares', with the usual cherry on the top of having 'been here X years and never done that'. Before I explained what exactly they are for, they even suggested that it 'sounds like trying to cheat the system!'

To be fair, they did agree to write me a stamped note for the ticket inspector on my first train that they were unable to issue the excess (I know you are theoretically allowed to get these on-board but it doesn't hurt).

They used to think the same about split ticketing they look at is as if your playing the system and will try and counter you with being awkward. It's as if they are on commission and you've snatched a few drinks worth bonus next month. But their attitude has resulted in many choosing online which in turn will cost them their jobs.