From the
GWR▸ ticket sales app.
Column 1 - for today. Timings look valid, but is it right to charge round-about fares online when ticket acceptance is in place due to the closure at Fisherton Tunnel. Best price £51.10
Column 2 - for tomorrow. We are told that Fisherton Tunnel will not be re-open for a week, and yet train times and fares through there are being sold; there is a "disruption" warning, but no indication that the particular trains offered won't be running. Best price £30.90
Column 3 - for tomorrow. With a magic "via Melksham" added into the options. Again offering trains through the closed Fisherton Tunnel. Best price £25.40
What has happened at Fisherton Tunnel is dreadful, rare, and there are bound to be teething issues as systems are updated to take account of the situation. BUT ... is it really that rare to need to change things for a few days. I'm thinking of the embankment slip between Salisbury and Dean. Of flooding across the Somerset Levels. Of the washout at Dawlish ... different cause, but same effect and should there be a more customer-friendly approach taken by the customer-facing ticket interface? LIKE:
* If trains aren't running until Tuesday of next week, don't offer them - we know you can, as you are not offering them for today ...
* If you can save £5.50 by leaving 10 minutes earlier, why offer it only to people who know what "special" to ask for
* Why charge high fares on the diversion route today, when ticket acceptance is in place on lower priced tickets?
