How fair are fares and splits, actually? (split topic)

[whole diary]

[ChrisB]

If someone wants to PM me their anomolies, I'm meeting shortly with FGW^▸ (First Great Western)'s Head opf Fares. He's friendly, and likely to deal....so get them to me by the end of the week.

I've made a note of the Severn Beach-=Worcester one - any more? (FGW fares only, natch!)

[Trowres]

You could try enquiring about reinstatement of "via Bristol" as a valid route from Westbury group to Taunton (and further west) in the routeing guide (it was valid until a couple of years ago).
IIRC^▸ ('if I recall/remember/read correctly') there are still "not Bristol" and "any permitted" fares but the latter don't give any more options!

[JayMac]

I'd be very reluctant, and advise others to be cautious, when bringing anomalies and loopholes to the attention of FGW^▸ (First Great Western)'s Fares Manager. Particular if those loopholes and anomalies are saving you money.

The lack of Off Peak Day fares on the Severn Beach Line to Worcester is one of very few I'd consider bringing to their attention as it a fare type that is missing, most probably as an oversight. Introducing Off Peak Day fares on this flow will stop the necessity for split tickets, although it's possible FGW will be happy with the status quo as they get more revenue from people unaware of the split. If that remains the case then there's little that can be done, save for taking every opportunity to inform people of the split. I've done that on the train on one occasion and will continue to do so if I hear someone nearby asking for a day ticket to Worcester.

In the past, I've enquired about certain anomalies to check they are valid for the journey I wish to make, only to discover that they are later closed. Maybe coincidence, but I'm a suspicious git.

In most cases I don't think we need to be doing the Fares Manager's job. I'm sure they are grateful for the input, but when an anomaly is brought to their attention which they can fix to their benefit, it's best to let them find out for themselves. Case in point: The Westbury - London Zones 1-6 Travelcard oft used by grahame in the past.

[ChrisB]

I'm not sure criticism of various fares anomolies is valid here if you don't want them corrected!

[JayMac]

FGW^▸ (First Great Western)'s Fares dept. are of course free to read this forum (and others) and take whatever action they feel is appropriate. I'm just saying we shouldn't be making their job any easier by contacting them directly about most anomalies and loopholes.

[ChrisB]

My comment stands....

[grahame]

On line vendors and ticket machines are under no such obligation.  In a town near here, the TVM^▸ (Ticket Vending Machine) has [had - not checked for a few months] Peak and Offpeak to London, and travelcards for the same times and a couple of others on the front "London" screen.   Even late in the day when all remaining London trains are super off peak.  There is a button "look at other alternative fares" which finds the superoffpeak for those in the know.

Just checked ... bought a super off peak ticket.  Standard and Off Peak fares on front screen; had to go through 2 other screens to find super off peak.  Aren't all trains super off peak today?