Train GraphicClick on the map to explore geographics
 
I need help
FAQ
Emergency
About .
Travel & transport from BBC stories as at 08:15 29 Mar 2024
- Bus plunges off South Africa bridge, killing 45
- Easter getaway begins with flood alerts in place
Read about the forum [here].
Register [here] - it's free.
What do I gain from registering? [here]
 02/06/24 - Summer Timetable starts
17/08/24 - Bus to Imber
27/09/25 - 200 years of passenger trains

On this day
29th Mar (1913)
Foundation of National Union or Railwaymen (*)

Train RunningCancelled
06:30 Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington
07:20 Reading to Gatwick Airport
07:49 Bedwyn to Newbury
08:13 Newbury to Bedwyn
08:46 Bedwyn to Newbury
09:00 Gatwick Airport to Reading
09:54 Bedwyn to Newbury
10:22 Newbury to Bedwyn
11:29 Newbury to Bedwyn
11:57 Bedwyn to Newbury
12:52 Bedwyn to Newbury
Short Run
04:54 Plymouth to London Paddington
05:23 Hereford to London Paddington
05:33 Plymouth to London Paddington
05:55 Plymouth to London Paddington
06:37 Plymouth to London Paddington
07:03 London Paddington to Paignton
07:24 Exmouth to Paignton
07:38 Bristol Temple Meads to Penzance
07:40 Bristol Temple Meads to Westbury
08:35 Plymouth to London Paddington
10:35 London Paddington to Exeter St Davids
12:15 Penzance to London Paddington
Delayed
05:03 Penzance to London Paddington
06:05 Penzance to London Paddington
07:10 Penzance to London Paddington
08:03 London Paddington to Penzance
08:15 Penzance to London Paddington
09:04 London Paddington to Plymouth
09:37 London Paddington to Paignton
10:04 London Paddington to Penzance
11:03 London Paddington to Plymouth
PollsOpen and recent polls
Closed 2024-03-25 Easter Escape - to where?
Abbreviation pageAcronymns and abbreviations
Stn ComparatorStation Comparator
Rail newsNews Now - live rail news feed
Site Style 1 2 3 4
Next departures • Bristol Temple MeadsBath SpaChippenhamSwindonDidcot ParkwayReadingLondon PaddingtonMelksham
Exeter St DavidsTauntonWestburyTrowbridgeBristol ParkwayCardiff CentralOxfordCheltenham SpaBirmingham New Street
March 29, 2024, 08:16:23 *
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Forgotten your username or password? - get a reminder
Most recently liked subjects
[82] would you like your own LIVE train station departure board?
[76] West Wiltshire Bus Changes April 2024
[74] Reversing Beeching - bring heritage and freight lines into the...
[67] Return of the BRUTE?
[57] Infrastructure problems in Thames Valley causing disruption el...
[46] 2024 - Service update and amendment log, Swindon <-> Westbury...
 
News: A forum for passengers ... with input from rail professionals welcomed too
 
   Home   Help Search Calendar Login Register  
Pages: 1 [2] 3
  Print  
Author Topic: Keeping the price of your rail travel down.  (Read 79385 times)
grahame
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 40691



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #15 on: February 15, 2011, 21:37:38 »

Errr. so it is. Sorry Mods, delete please.

[Note to self - Read twice before posting!]

Maybe a bit about it being even cheaper with an off-peak ticket Pad-Did but only on certain trains?

Yes, maybe I could have added more to the thread, Chris, but as I recall I was trying to explain a series of specific examples rather than give an overall explanation that got lost in a flood of "if"s and "however"s.

There is another section in my original post which suggest you travel offpeak if you can, and I think that sorta covers the extra bits your asking for ...
Logged

Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
TonyK
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 6435


The artist formerly known as Four Track, Now!


View Profile
« Reply #16 on: April 15, 2012, 00:09:03 »

It's perfectly simple. If you're not getting your hair cut, you don't have to move your brother's clothes down to the lower peg. You simply collect his note before lunch, after you've done your scripture prep, when you've written your letter home, before rest, move your own clothes onto the lower peg, greet the visitors, and report to Mr. Viney that you've had your chit signed. You are then entitled to buy, so long as no fewer than thirteen days (not including Michaelmas Day, unless it is a full moon) have elapsed since your wife began her premature labour, to buy a ticket for a train at 3.20AM to a station near to London Waterloo, unless QPR lose by more than 3 goals, or the NASDAQ index rises (nuclear power excepted) by less than four points above the Mirabel rate, for a price equal to (or less than) the increase in price of your electricity bill in percentage terms, unless you change at Swindon. Or not.
You can always buy two single tickets to and from Paddington, and an off-peak return to Didcot Parkway to keep costs down if you are travelling from Bristol.
Or so it seems. Not easy, is it?
Logged

Now, please!
teamsaint
Full Member
***
Posts: 56


View Profile Email
« Reply #17 on: October 04, 2013, 20:16:03 »

Can anybody explain the logic behind the geographical area covered by the network Railcard please?

In particular why it stops at Salisbury on the Portsmouth /Salisbury Line, and doesn't cover Swindon/Stroud.

(Sorry if its very obvious !!)
Logged
grahame
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 40691



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #18 on: October 04, 2013, 20:20:30 »

Can anybody explain the logic behind the geographical area covered by the network Railcard please?

No - there is no logic  Grin

Quote
In particular why it stops at Salisbury on the Portsmouth /Salisbury Line, and doesn't cover Swindon/Stroud.

But in all seriousness, there is a historic logic in that the Network area was that covered by London commuter trains.  Intercity only lines (as-were at the time) are not included.
Logged

Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
JayMac
Data Manager
Hero Member
******
Posts: 18894



View Profile
« Reply #19 on: October 04, 2013, 20:35:22 »

The Network Railcard covers the area that was formerly the domain of Network SouthEast - one of former state operator British Rail's passenger 'sectors', created in 1982 - originally called the London & South Eastern Sector.

The Network Railcard had some of its terms and conditions protected by government when British Rail was privatised in 1994. One of those was the area it covered.

So, whilst the area covered is no longer the domain of one operator, the Network Railcard continues to be valid in this historic area. And there have actually been a few extensions to the area of validity since it was introduced.

Much more information on Network SouthEast and the Network Railcard can be read in their Wikipedia entries:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_SouthEast
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_Railcard
« Last Edit: October 04, 2013, 20:45:47 by bignosemac » Logged

"Build a man a fire and he'll be warm for the rest of the day. Set a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life."

- Sir Terry Pratchett.
teamsaint
Full Member
***
Posts: 56


View Profile Email
« Reply #20 on: October 05, 2013, 17:10:32 »

Thanks for the info chaps.
It applies where it applies, so I'll have to have some days out to Bedford or worcester !!

Logged
JayMac
Data Manager
Hero Member
******
Posts: 18894



View Profile
« Reply #21 on: October 06, 2013, 02:40:36 »

Taking a punt at your location from your forum name teamsaint, I'm guessing you may reside close to the Solent.

If you are planning those trips to Bedford or Worcester then do take note of the Network Area map.

Don't, for instance, try a trip to Worcester via Bristol using Network Railcard discounted tickets. You'll probably need more than ticket to stay in the mapped area and if you go off the map you may be making an expensive mistake! 
Tongue Wink Grin
Logged

"Build a man a fire and he'll be warm for the rest of the day. Set a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life."

- Sir Terry Pratchett.
teamsaint
Full Member
***
Posts: 56


View Profile Email
« Reply #22 on: October 30, 2013, 05:18:57 »

yes, thanks Bigmac, I did check the map and realised that trips via Bath for instance , wouldn't be covered.
Logged
Adelante_CCT
Transport Scholar
Hero Member
******
Posts: 1314



View Profile
« Reply #23 on: February 23, 2015, 08:58:38 »

Apologies if something similar has been posted about this recently.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2964259/The-train-fare-trick-save-railway-user-MILLIONS-Website-uses-secret-code-cheaper-tickets-splitting-journey-legs-travelling-train.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
Logged
grahame
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 40691



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #24 on: February 25, 2015, 02:48:04 »

Apologies if something similar has been posted about this recently.

I don't see  a recent post ... however the Independent reports that the Ticket Split website is down through too much use

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/train-ticket-splitting-isnt-the-only-way-to-save-money--here-are-five-other-ways-10067003.html

Quote
TrainSplit.com, the website which promises to save you up to 22 per cent on each journey, is still down after being profiled over the weekend.

Interest is such that people are crashing the site in their eagerness to attempt to save money on the UK (United Kingdom)^s ever-more exorbitant rail fares.

It goes on to suggest other saving ideas ...

Quote
But what other ways could you save money travelling? Here we list some of the most straightforward.

Most mentioned up-thread, but deals change and it's worth taking a fresh look.  On railcards they say

Quote
A student railcard isn't the final say of discount cards (although it may feel like it when it ends). Here are some overlooked favourites that are worth investigating.

Chief among these are regional railcards. Cambrian Railcard, Cotswold Line Railcard, Dales Railcard, Devon & Cornwall Railcard, Esk Valley Railcard, First Capital Connect Student 16/18 Connect Card, Heart of Wales Railcard, Highland Railcard, Pembrokeshire Railcard, Valleys Senior Railcard, Valleys Student Railcard all offer discounts, some by as much as a third off travel.

Other railcards worth looking at include: Family and Friends railcard, which gives you 60 per cent off on child fares and a third off adult fares. Two Together: third off for two named adults on card travelling together.

Finally, the final Network Railcard for southern England is a steal: third off adult fares and a ^2 flat fare for children travelling within the designated zone.

All these railcards do come with terms, conditions and initial costs but they^re worth glancing over.

Is the "First Capital Connect" student card still available, or renamed, and / or are existing cards honoured by the new franchise?

Is there mileage in having a "Network Railcard for southern England" - by which I take it they mean south east - and splitting at the border for more expensive intercity routes on trains that stop near the boundary?
Logged

Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
warrej
Jr. Member
**
Posts: 26


View Profile
« Reply #25 on: April 24, 2015, 11:48:13 »

I buy advance fares on my route from NTA» (Newton Abbott - next trains) to PAD» (Paddington (London) - next trains) as soon as they are available and have been doing so for the past 6 years. Prices are constantly on the rise at the moment, and have gone up another ^10 this week. Six months ago I was paying ^85 return, now it is ^142. Well enough is enough for me, from now on I will be flying back. I'll save ^40 and get home quicker. If that goes well I might even fly up, but the morning flight is a little earlier than I want Smiley
Logged
chrisr_75
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 1019


View Profile
« Reply #26 on: April 24, 2015, 11:57:58 »

I buy advance fares on my route from NTA» (Newton Abbott - next trains) to PAD» (Paddington (London) - next trains) as soon as they are available and have been doing so for the past 6 years. Prices are constantly on the rise at the moment, and have gone up another ^10 this week. Six months ago I was paying ^85 return, now it is ^142. Well enough is enough for me, from now on I will be flying back. I'll save ^40 and get home quicker. If that goes well I might even fly up, but the morning flight is a little earlier than I want Smiley

Same happened in South Wales about this time last year, advance ticket prices suddenly jumped up. I drive to London now as it's half the cost, even including the Severn Bridge toll and is a quicker journey to where I need to be.
Logged
TonyK
Global Moderator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 6435


The artist formerly known as Four Track, Now!


View Profile
« Reply #27 on: April 29, 2015, 16:43:15 »

I buy advance fares on my route from NTA» (Newton Abbott - next trains) to PAD» (Paddington (London) - next trains) as soon as they are available and have been doing so for the past 6 years. Prices are constantly on the rise at the moment, and have gone up another ^10 this week. Six months ago I was paying ^85 return, now it is ^142. Well enough is enough for me, from now on I will be flying back. I'll save ^40 and get home quicker. If that goes well I might even fly up, but the morning flight is a little earlier than I want Smiley

EXT to LCY, by chance?
Logged

Now, please!
warrej
Jr. Member
**
Posts: 26


View Profile
« Reply #28 on: June 08, 2015, 17:24:35 »

I buy advance fares on my route from NTA» (Newton Abbott - next trains) to PAD» (Paddington (London) - next trains) as soon as they are available and have been doing so for the past 6 years. Prices are constantly on the rise at the moment, and have gone up another ^10 this week. Six months ago I was paying ^85 return, now it is ^142. Well enough is enough for me, from now on I will be flying back. I'll save ^40 and get home quicker. If that goes well I might even fly up, but the morning flight is a little earlier than I want Smiley

EXT to LCY, by chance?

Yes.

I came on here to give another update, as my outbound journey has had about the 4th rise this year, and is now up from ^62 to ^83.  If this is repeated next week I'll be switching to flying both ways.  My first LCY-EXT flight is in 4 weeks time, and I have to say I'm looking forward to getting home an hour and a bit earlier
Logged
grahame
Administrator
Hero Member
*****
Posts: 40691



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #29 on: July 04, 2015, 07:04:34 »

Update - http://atrebatia.info/savingmoney.pdf and https://www.facebook.com/TransWilts
Logged

Coffee Shop Admin, Acting Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, Option 24/7 Melksham Rep
Do you have something you would like to add to this thread, or would you like to raise a new question at the Coffee Shop? Please [register] (it is free) if you have not done so before, or login (at the top of this page) if you already have an account - we would love to read what you have to say!

You can find out more about how this forum works [here] - that will link you to a copy of the forum agreement that you can read before you join, and tell you very much more about how we operate. We are an independent forum, provided and run by customers of Great Western Railway, for customers of Great Western Railway and we welcome railway professionals as members too, in either a personal or official capacity. Views expressed in posts are not necessarily the views of the operators of the forum.

As well as posting messages onto existing threads, and starting new subjects, members can communicate with each other through personal messages if they wish. And once members have made a certain number of posts, they will automatically be admitted to the "frequent posters club", where subjects not-for-public-domain are discussed; anything from the occasional rant to meetups we may be having ...

 
Pages: 1 [2] 3
  Print  
 
Jump to:  

Powered by MySQL Powered by PHP Powered by SMF 1.1.2 | SMF © 2006-2007, Simple Machines LLC Valid XHTML 1.0! Valid CSS!
This forum is provided by customers of Great Western Railway (formerly First Great Western), and the views expressed are those of the individual posters concerned. Visit www.gwr.com for the official Great Western Railway website. Please contact the administrators of this site if you feel that the content provided by one of our posters contravenes our posting rules (email link to report). Forum hosted by Well House Consultants

Jump to top of pageJump to Forum Home Page