I try to collect at least one platform ticket from the various stations I visit. I have noticed, however, in the recent times it has become considerably more difficult. I think there is a two-fold reason for this. Firstly, the newer ticket issuing systems aren't really designed to make the issuing of platform tickets easily available. With APTIS, there was a button solely used for issuing platform tickets- in the top right hand corner if I remember correctly. With FasTIS, I am not entirely sure how to get to the platform ticket function, but it involves a lot of messing around, I believe it's under 'Sundries'. (Northern ticket offices often say 'they don't exist anymore', even though this isn't true, or that can't issue them as station 'x' is an open station, so they aren't needed). Secondly, there is the 'fare dodging' problem. I asked for one at Swindon once, but the woman wouldn't have it, saying that you must have written permission from FGWs management to issue platform tickets(!) I even volunteered my valid train ticket, but to no avail. The situation is similar at Berwick-upon-Tweed. Apparently they have been instructed not to sell them by their retail control- however, curiously Dunbar were more than willing to sell me one!
So, basically, the problem is two fold, depending on geographic location; either lack of staff training, or 'protection' of revenue. I must ask though, how many random scumbags know about platform tickets!? Probably not that many....
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I try to collect at least one platform ticket from the various stations I visit. I have noticed, however, in the recent times it has become considerably more difficult. I think there is a two-fold reason for this. Firstly, the newer ticket issuing systems aren't really designed to make the issuing of platform tickets easily available. With APTIS, there was a button solely used for issuing platform tickets- in the top right hand corner if I remember correctly. With FasTIS, I am not entirely sure how to get to the platform ticket function, but it involves a lot of messing around, I believe it's under 'Sundries'. (Northern ticket offices often say 'they don't exist anymore', even though this isn't true, or that can't issue them as station 'x' is an open station, so they aren't needed). Secondly, there is the 'fare dodging' problem. I asked for one at Swindon once, but the woman wouldn't have it, saying that you must have written permission from FGWs management to issue platform tickets(!) I even volunteered my valid train ticket, but to no avail. The situation is similar at Berwick-upon-Tweed. Apparently they have been instructed not to sell them by their retail control- however, curiously Dunbar were more than willing to sell me one!
So, basically, the problem is two fold, depending on geographic location; either lack of staff training, or 'protection' of revenue. I must ask though, how many random scumbags know about platform tickets!? Probably not that many....
Also, another curiosity, Just after the 'new' St. Pancras had opened, I bought a platform ticket, and had a bit of time to kill, so put my platform ticket through the barriers to get to the 'Low Level' platforms, however, it didn't activate them. Does anyone know why this was the case? In the end, I explained what I was doing, and had a quick a nosy!