Thameslink trouble

[PadSpencer]

Hi there,

I purchased a thameslink day travel car 1-6 ticket from brighton during morning peakhours last friday. I got on a gatwick express train and found myself at victoria. I got off the train, and was subsequently fined £40 as i had the wrong ticket. It ended up costing me £90 to get to Victoria that day. I was explained to by the fine issuer that i had boarded the wrong train to london. I was wondering if anyone had any previous experience of this mistake. I bought a ticket to london, but i was fined upon arriving?

thank you for any help

 

[34D]

Do you still have the ticket, or do you recall the exact price (perhaps on a card statement?)

 

[Sacro]

© Gatwick Express is a trading name of Govia Thameslink Railway Ltd.

:roll:

 

[yorkie]

I was wondering if anyone had any previous experience of this mistake.

I've known 3 people be charged a "Southern Supplement" in not dissimilar circumstances using this particular service (though when Gatwick Express was operated by Southern, rather than Govia Thameslink Railway as it is now, but it's the same principle), and in all 3 cases they were not only refunded but further compensated.

I also know someone charged a Penalty Fare for the reason "Gat Ex" when using a combination of tickets which the staff deemed not expensive enough to use this service, that was also refunded.

So 4 cases out of 4. I'd be happy to make it 5 out 5. Obviously I can't guarantee success but the record is good so far.

Can you take a photo or scan of the Penalty Fare you were issued with please? I suggest I assist you via private message, please feel free to send me a PM.

 

[MikeWh]

Was this a direct train from Brighton to Victoria? If it was then I thought ordinary tickets were valid as long as you boarded before Gatwick.

 

[swt_passenger]

Was this a direct train from Brighton to Victoria? If it was then I thought ordinary tickets were valid as long as you boarded before Gatwick.

If a through service from Brighton it is a Southern service, and AIUI the famous 'Gatwick Express' issue is actually irrelevant; but there's still a separate problem of using a Thameslink fare on Southern.

Perhaps the original poster might clarify exactly where he boarded?

 

[CyrusWuff]

Was this a direct train from Brighton to Victoria? If it was then I thought ordinary tickets were valid as long as you boarded before Gatwick.

From an operational point of view, the "extended GatEx" services change operators at Gatwick Airport, just like the joint Southeastern and Thameslink Sevenoaks services (though I can't remember where they change over).

Most systems are unable to handle the change so just show it at GatEx or Southern throughout, depending on the direction of travel.

From a revenue point of view, GTR get the money regardless of which sub-brand you use...They'd just like you to pay more to use an extended GatEx than a Thameslink.

 

[Hadders]

But if the OP purchased a Thameslink Only Travelcard which his post suggests he did then he shouldn't have been travelling on Southern or Gatwick Express.

Obviously the whole thing is a mess with Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express all being operated by the same Train Operating Company.

 

[yorkie]

I think you mean using a Thameslink fare on Govia Thameslink Railway

Indeed.

PadSpencer - I am happy to assist. Please contact me directly.

 

[ainsworth74]

For anyone who is looking for the discussion about GTR and it's various brand this has been moved to a dedicated thread which can be found here.

If the OP returns and requires help please PM yorkie for assistance by clicking here.