But the contract is governed by NRCoC, which, as the frontispiece says:
"National Rail. Britain's train companies working together."
Now, that particular line may not form part of the contract, but the NRCoC goes on to say that "The Train Companies may not give you less extensive
rights, except in the case of some types of reduced and discounted fare tickets where the relevant condition(s) specifically allow them to do so."
The relevant condition in this case would be Condition 10. Restrictions on who you can travel with, "...will be shown on the ticket."
I'm still of the opinion that discounts or offers, such as the one being discussed here, and the perennial GroupSave debate, should allow travel by any operator over a given 'Any Permitted' route. Unless and until a route/TOC restriction is printed on the ticket. Even if you'd been previously advised of a restriction by a ticket clerk or have managed to find the issuing TOCs own 'rules'.
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But the contract is governed by NRCoC, which, as the frontispiece says:
"National Rail. Britain's train companies working together."
Now, that particular line may not form part of the contract, but the NRCoC goes on to say that "The Train Companies may not give you less extensive rights, except in the case of some types of reduced and discounted fare tickets where the relevant condition(s) specifically allow them to do so."
The relevant condition in this case would be Condition 10. Restrictions on who you can travel with, "...will be shown on the ticket." Therefore I'd argue that under NRCoC, you do have a contract with EMT. They cannot arbitrarily ignore the NRCoC just because another TOC has failed to ensure the ticket's T&Cs (as defined by NRCoC and not elsewhere) explicitly prohibit use with another TOC. It's an internal rail industry matter to sort out between the TOCs and ATOC. Until that's done NRCoC Condition 10 protects the passenger.
I'm still of the opinion that discounts or offers, such as the one being discussed here, and the perennial GroupSave debate, should allow travel by any operator over a given 'Any Permitted' route. Unless and until a route/TOC restriction is printed on the ticket. Even if you'd been previously advised of a restriction by a ticket clerk or have managed to find the issuing TOCs own 'rules'.
BTW, despite knowing CrossCountry don't accept passengers with FGW GroupSave, I've made numerous journeys on XC with GroupSave tickets. Yet to be successfully issued a penalty of any sort, be that excess on board or a later UFN that CrossCountry have pursued. Would be quite happy for them to take me to court. They'd be on a hiding to nothing.