You must follow the instructions given above, there were some quite serious issues with people attempting to regularly use via Cambridge tickets on the more expensive GEML route so the validity is quite strongly enforced.
I can't imagine there are any 'quite serious issues' as you say, because most of the trains between Ipswich and London will have an onboard ticket inspection carried out, no? It's a very easy process to charge the excess and this will correct the position.
And, looking at Off-Peak Return Fares the Any Permitted is a whole £2 more expensive than the Via Cambridge fare. Wow.
Not a case of imagining it when you're talking to someone who deals with it. Not going to go through issues of ticket validity as you're more than well versed with that.
There were several issues of people boarding the stopper to LST with Via CBG tickets and being dealt with for it by RPIs etc.
When you also consider how busy guards are between BSE and SMK/IPS it's actually more than likely that said excess won't actually be available.
Getting back to the point of the topic just buy the Any Permitted, as you say, it's a whole £2.
I trust those being dealt with by the RPI were sold a change of route excess which would be half the difference in fare for one leg. Anything else would be concerning.
Couldn't answer that, was never present when said dealings took place.
Your posts suggest that you have first hand knowledge of this? Is that not the case?
Not of the conversations between passengers and revenue protection and the results of that no, advising and rectifying the issues as best I can on board my services yes.
You said there were 'serious issues' and 'cases being dealt with by RPIs'. I hope the advice you gave included saying that a change of route excess was available if a passenger wished to travel via Ipswich with a 'Via Cambridge' ticket.
If you're unsure of the route you will take, you buy the cheaper fare and excess the relevant portion(s), to avoid overpaying.
Yes you or I would, but I would honestly (personally) suggest that given the small difference £2 is worth it for the ease/peace of mind of someone perhaps less versed in the complexities of ticketing.
The passenger doesn't need to be versed in the complexities though. The procedure for excessing is simple, routine and easy.
95% of people will have no idea the concept exists. You must remember those of us on this forum have either been trained in ticketing or take a personal interest. Joe public doesn't have a clue because most of the time they don't need to.
Any time spent on the front line of this country's railways will teach you that. While I again agree with the principle of your comment the day to day application is often different.
I agree entirely. None of this was ever in dispute. Staff all know how to do the excess and anyone properly trained would get something so basic right. You are correct people will never have heard of it. And they don't need to have. I just don't see how it can be a 'serious problem' given the solution is so easy.