Priv Questions

[dan_atki]

^ Under the old name, yes. Now it is 'Anytime Day First'.

 

[Thewanderer]

Eh ok.

The UK ticket system just looks so confusing. Its a lot simpler across the pond in the RoI.

 

[Tom C]

Also regarding EMT, I had previously been told, and had seen it written down that the agreement was Bedford-London only, however, I have further had it confirmed, that the residential agreement stretches over the entire network. Now, I'm not sure if this is the ex MML network, or the entire EMT network, but it is residential only.

Confirmed by who???

Not having a digg but when you go through these delightful "HR Business Partners" they know less than we do!!!!

For instance, I had to represent someone up in Peterborough and the HR business partner didn't know that we were afforded duty travel on NXEC so trundled up on our donkey service which made us very late!!!

Ex Thameslink staff were allowed to travel as far as Leicester on Midland Mainline and certainly nothing has been posted to say otherwise.

Question for one of the FCC victims on here! Under Thameslink we were entitled to free Underground travel between Kentish Town & Elephant & Castle which started when we first started taking prepay as this was the reciprical route with the LUL staff passes. I was told today that this is now not the case despite LUL staff still being afforded free travel between West Hampstead and Moorgate/Elephant & Castle/London Bridge. Anyone know the full situation? I know we get PTAC on LUL now but did this supersede the old reciprical arrangement?

 

[yorkie]

Eh ok.

The UK ticket system just looks so confusing. Its a lot simpler across the pond in the RoI.

You're right, it is very confusing. And since the so-called "simplification" of walk-on fares it's actually got even more confusing as you have off peak tickets that are valid at any time and all sorts of other odd rules that make no sense whatsoever.

There appear to be no Peak/Off peak tickets in Ireland, therefore it is obviously a lot simpler. I was on a rover so didn't buy any point-to-point tickets but I don't recall any ticket restrictions being in place.

The TOCs here could do this if they ran more peak services, and more Friday only services. I was amazed at how many Friday only trains there are in Ireland. Over here it's all about money and not public service so they don't have enough trains to cater for high demand - instead we scrap perfectly serviceable trains in order to save on leasing costs. Passengers are then priced off travelling by rail at those peak times.

For example, if you board the 08:00 or 08:10 York-London services you can easily get a table to yourself all the way to London, but if you get the 09:35 the train will be totally full with many standees by the time it arrives in London.

I suspect that Ireland will end up like the UK though, as you've made the terrible mistake of replacing proper trains with expensive, inefficient, plastic DMUs just like we have done. Expect drops in capacity at peak times and peak pricing to take effect as a result.

 

[Thewanderer]

You're right, it is very confusing. And since the so-called "simplification" of walk-on fares it's actually got even more confusing as you have off peak tickets that are valid at any time and all sorts of other odd rules that make no sense whatsoever.

There appear to be no Peak/Off peak tickets in Ireland, therefore it is obviously a lot simpler. I was on a rover so didn't buy any point-to-point tickets but I don't recall any ticket restrictions being in place.

The TOCs here could do this if they ran more peak services, and more Friday only services. I was amazed at how many Friday only trains there are in Ireland. Over here it's all about money and not public service so they don't have enough trains to cater for high demand - instead we scrap perfectly serviceable trains in order to save on leasing costs. Passengers are then priced off travelling by rail at those peak times.

For example, if you board the 08:00 or 08:10 York-London services you can easily get a table to yourself all the way to London, but if you get the 09:35 the train will be totally full with many standees by the time it arrives in London.

I suspect that Ireland will end up like the UK though, as you've made the terrible mistake of replacing proper trains with expensive, inefficient, plastic DMUs just like we have done. Expect drops in capacity at peak times and peak pricing to take effect as a result.

It isn't that bad here yet. We always had the full open single / return tickets, plus what we call day / monthly saver single / return (delete as needed) which are designed to stimulate off peak travel to Dublin from the regions.

IE have finally caught up with the Internet revolution and if you book on irishrail.ie you can get some good deals if your prepared to travel at certain times.

For example a Day Saver Return / 5 Day Return / Monthy Return between Dublin Heuston - Tralee, a distance of 206 miles costs €46.50 / €65.50 / €74.00. The Day Saver has restrictions on it, you may only travel out on certain morning trains, you may travel home on any train and its only available on certain days, usually Tues-Thurs and Sat.

If you book online and travel at off-peak times only it can be done for as little as €40, but only vaild for the train(s) you selected.

I agree it is starting to go the same way as the UK, but it is nowhere near as complicated. Basically the web fare is the same price if you book your tickets 28 days in advance or 31 mins in advance.

In the last couple of years the service levels have increased substantially, e.g. hourly to Cork, 2 hourly to Tralee, 2 hourly to Sligo. As a result most of the Friday Only trains have been withdrawn, the only ones to remain are the 1615 Heuston - Ballina and 1450 Connolly - Dundalk and 1615 Dundalk - Connolly.

On a final note I have to disagree with your final paragraph. The new DMU's are a joy to travel on, have the comfort of a MK3 coach (incl noise levels), have replaced rancid clapped out MK2d's, have plenty of seats with tables that line up with the windows. Out of all the evening Friday departures from Heuston the only train that will cause problems capacity wise is the 1435 to Galway, this train loads to 9 MK3's on a Friday and is still overcrowded. Is an additional service to Galway was introduced circa 1230 - 1330 it would solve the problems with the 1435 service.

Like it or loathe it DMU's are the future for the sort of network that IE operate.

 

[First class]

Anyone know where I can find pictures of the old-style staff travel photocards for the BR era?

 

[91101]

I dont think they're any different, just say "British Rail" in addition to the Double Arrow sign.

 

[Gizmogle]

Anyone know where I can find pictures of the old-style staff travel photocards for the BR era?

http://therailticketgallery.fotopic.net/p48665662.html

They change colour every year. Current one is brown with a blue background.

 

[91101]

I think he means the Photocards, like this one: http://therailticketgallery.fotopic.net/p48665669.html

Well thats the closest example to a photocard that I can find on that site.

 

[Gizmogle]

Ah yes. My mistake I missed the photo card bit.

 

[Thewanderer]

Hi all,

I've just discovered the Avantix Traveller software. Its late and i'm tired but what code do you use to display PRIV fares?

Thanks in advance.

The Wanderer

 

[Mojo]

Hi all,

I've just discovered the Avantix Traveller software. Its late and i'm tired but what code do you use to display PRIV fares?

Thanks in advance.

The Wanderer

It's PRV.

 

[t0ffeeman]

I type in STAFF TRAVELCARD!

 

[LilLoaf]

I've got a priv pass and never had to much trouble, even when i want to pay the fare so i don't waste a box up on a small journey, the guard just says it ok i've got pass that will do.

Not sure if thats just the LilLoaf charm.


i think they are valid on all airport express, but not Grand Central (wouldn't use them anyway they'll break down) or Wrexham and shroppy, But Hull trains you can.

 

[glynn80]

I've got a priv pass and never had to much trouble, even when i want to pay the fare so i don't waste a box up on a small journey, the guard just says it ok i've got pass that will do.

Not sure if thats just the LilLoaf charm.


i think they are valid on all airport express, but not Grand Central (wouldn't use them anyway they'll break down) or Wrexham and shroppy, But Hull trains you can.

It has been documented by many that Wrexham & Shropshire, although not officially within the ATOC scheme will accept Privs and staff have been instructed to follows this, it has even been quoted as high as the MD.

I have never had any issues on W&S or heard of anyone who has either.

The best policy across the board is to ask the guard before boarding, 9/10 they will say fine, the rest will normally agree just to see you Priv rate on board.

 

[LilLoaf]

Yeah i heard about that, but i never tried that, might give it a go.

 

[Thewanderer]

It's PRV.

Thanks!

 

[martyn29]

hmm I want to go and W & S but in first so think will just buy a ticket to sample the food

 

[First class]

hi,

been with Merseyrail now for 3 weeks, will be 4 weeks next Friday. ATOC Card Application was filled in on first day, (17/11).

Does anyone know what counts as a 'month'?

i.e. 4 weeks, (12/12/2008), or a calendar month (17/12/2008)...

Been a while....

 

[Bayum]

To get onto platforms, todo a general bit of train watching, or spotting, or whatever, does the card need to be validated for that day?

 

[Gizmogle]

I don't think so. I've never had any problems getting onto platforms to phot wit an undated priv. Most barrier staff won't notice. If they do, just explain that you wanna go take some photos and stuff.

 

[westcoaster]

hi,

been with Merseyrail now for 3 weeks, will be 4 weeks next Friday. ATOC Card Application was filled in on first day, (17/11).

Does anyone know what counts as a 'month'?

i.e. 4 weeks, (12/12/2008), or a calendar month (17/12/2008)...

Been a while....

one callender month.

 

[LilLoaf]

To get onto platforms, todo a general bit of train watching, or spotting, or whatever, does the card need to be validated for that day?

No it doesn't.

 

[yorkie]

To get onto platforms, todo a general bit of train watching, or spotting, or whatever, does the card need to be validated for that day?

if it's a gated station ask for a platform ticket.

If they refuse to issue one and refuse to let you past, they are jobsworths, in which case argue with them and get their details or, for less hassle, get a PRIV single to the nearest place (for most places this will just cost a few pence. e.g. Leeds to Burley Park is 35p).

 

[Isonstine]

Hello all,

Have been reading for a good while but just wanted to ask a quick question. Have recently started at CrossCountry and have received my staff travel pass. Was just wondering if the same terms apply in regards to purchasing tickets at a staffed station? For example, if I get on a train where the booking office is open would a conductor for another TOC refuse to sell me a priv ticket and charge full price.

Not that this situation would particularly arise that often but was just wondering.

 

[91101]

Yeah, only where the train is a "paytrain" i.e. the booking office is closed at that station, or there is not a booking office. And for a PRIV ticket you need a booking office - they for obvious reasons cannot be sold off a TVM.

 

[Isonstine]

So if I board at an unmanned station then I would be able to buy the PRIV for that journey on the train from TM?

 

[glynn80]

Hello all,

Have been reading for a good while but just wanted to ask a quick question. Have recently started at CrossCountry and have received my staff travel pass. Was just wondering if the same terms apply in regards to purchasing tickets at a staffed station? For example, if I get on a train where the booking office is open would a conductor for another TOC refuse to sell me a priv ticket and charge full price.

Not that this situation would particularly arise that often but was just wondering.

If you are at a station with no Permit to Travel machine and the ticket office is closed/non existent, you would be permitted to board the train without a ticket and pay on board or at the first available oppourtunity.

If there is a Permit to Travel machine and the ticket office is closed/non existent you should put in the maximum amount you can in change towards the cost of your PRIV ticket and then exchange the permit at the first available oppourtunity for a ticket.

 

[First class]

Just been hit for £140 excess on my priv today actually... unfortunately, it had faded on one side, which meant the class bit was unclear...but obviously not tampered with. Not to mention he WITHDREW the ticket, with 5 days left on it!!!

I had a 1st class ALR 7 day (PRIV) and basically he said because he couldn't see the class, he would have to assume it was standard and excess me up to the 1st class fare!!!

This is the same Train Manager that quite happily uses Merseyrail trains free of charge, by showing his Virgin ID to the barrier staff.

The excess was to upgrade a London-Liverpool journey from "priv standard" to public first... treating the 1st class ALR as a Priv Standard Single!!!

ARGH!!!

 

[yorkie]

This is the same Train Manager that quite happily uses Merseyrail trains free of charge, by showing his Virgin ID to the barrier staff.

Is that allowed? If not, have a word with your Prosecutions department. Revenge could be sweet!

As for him not seeing the class, was the price still visible? If so he could have looked it up.