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Fare tools on trainscanbecheaper.info

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Oscar

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What do you think of the "Search for Split Fares" and "Cheapest Route Finder" on trainscanbecheaper.info?
I for one am very impressed. The "Search for Split Fares" tool covers returns as as well as singles (unlike MSE's app) and I haven't seen anything like the "Cheapest Route Finder" elsewhere. The only thing it doesn't seem to be able to show is starting or stopping short on tickets (although it will of course give Permitted Routes for any ticket if you already know which want you are looking for).
 
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cuccir

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Note that the data on shortest routes with a "regular" service is defined by ATOC and is known to contain errors and dubious assumptions. Technically you should use the National Rail Timetable to obtain this information, but the quality of that data is even worse.

I like it already!
 

yorkie

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The only thing it doesn't seem to be able to show is starting or stopping short on tickets
That would be a very bad move. My thoughts on that are here. Hopefully the developers of these apps will take these concerns on-board.
 

Oscar

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Why has this site reverted overnight to just text and links to the forum and East Coast website? Where have the fares and routeing tools gone to?
 

SickyNicky

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Why has this site reverted overnight to just text and links to the forum and East Coast website? Where have the fares and routeing tools gone to?

Apologies - the server ran out of space and I had to temporarily revert the version until I could clear the disk. It's back up now.
 

snail

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A useful compilation of routeing guide and validity information. Not so sure about the splits, you don't get the fares until after you have selected a route.

A few usability comments:
- station selections are not persistent. If you enter stations, navigating back to the home page you have to enter stations again
- there is no link back to the home page to search again on the route detail page
- the station drop down list is too short and doesn't scroll e.g. typing 'London' doesn't include 'London Marylebne' (sic) as an option; 'Man' doesn't give you any of the Manchester stations (you have to type 'Manc' to get them, though CRS codes do work)
- generic options like 'London' or 'Manchester' are not available
 

dvboy

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The permitted route info is a bit confusing, a simple YES or NO would be much clearer.
 

Ivo

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Why has this site reverted overnight to just text and links to the forum and East Coast website? Where have the fares and routeing tools gone to?

Apologies - the server ran out of space and I had to temporarily revert the version until I could clear the disk. It's back up now.

It's worth pointing out that when the site was new that is all it was!

I hope I haven't used it too much :oops:
 
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kieron

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That would be a very bad move.
There's a big difference between Wigan-Lancaster on a Wigan-Carnforth ticket and Wigan-Crewe on a Wigan-Macclesfield one. So long as you are on the fastest valid route from A to B, you should have no issues with guards.

It's a good idea to take an itinerary with you for each ticket, though, if only so that you know which trains you can catch if you miss a connection. That's true whenever you split a ticket, though.
 

SickyNicky

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Thanks for the usability tips - I have made changes where possible.

Sorry snail - TCBC's routeing engine doesn't allow generic station names. I may do something to allow that sometime in the future, but for the moment it's specific stations only.

I've added persistent station selection links to each page that will take you back to the main page with the from/to/via intact.

The drop down list is now longer and quicker, and works with less characters, but it's limited by the ASPX Ajax control toolkit.

Permitted routes now tell you yes or no at the top and the route descriptions are reduced to just routeing points unless the user selects a full list.
 

Cundy66

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Bedford
There is no option for railcards which is a down part.

Also interesting to know that everytime i go from Sheffield to skegness i am routing via nottingham where a connection can be made although no bother with that I have been going over the shortest route and should route Lincoln and sleaford to catch the exact same train that departs Nottingham
 
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