Lancaster - Manchester Oxford Road - Atherton

[ffcphone]

I've got a friend who wants to travel today around 3pm from her home in Lancaster ultimately ending at Atherton. But she wants to go via Manchester Oxford Road and stop off for a short break to meet a friend before then going on to Atherton.

So her journey will be Lancaster (dep 3pm) -> Man Ox Road (exit station for short while then return to station -> Atherton

The return direct Atherton to Lancaster tomorrow.

What's the cheapest way of accomplishing this with a walk on fare? And given she's starting in Lancaster, I suspect she won't be able to buy the day RM Rail Ranger/Rover or whatever it's called.

Cheers.

 

[snail]

There are no problems in routeing terms with a Lancaster-Manchester Stns ticket as the Atherton route is covered, changing stations at Wigan to complete the journey back.

An Off-Peak return is £16.50, BoJ allowed and valid for one month on the return.

The problem with a day ranger (£4.40) is, firstly, that it's valid for one day and secondly that there is no convenient changeover station unless your friend is prepared either to travel via Wigan outbound or go back to Salford Crescent or Manchester on the return. As Lancaster-Wigan (and Lancaster-Atherton) is £15.50 there's no point.

But, I've no doubt someone will come up with a cleverer answer than mine...

 

[Lampshade]

The problem with a day ranger (£4.40) is, firstly, that it's valid for one day and secondly that there is no convenient changeover station unless your friend is prepared either to travel via Wigan outbound or go back to Salford Crescent or Manchester on the return. As Lancaster-Wigan (and Lancaster-Atherton) is £15.50 there's no point.

But, I've no doubt someone will come up with a cleverer answer than mine...

Bolton?

 

[snail]

To get from Atherton to Bolton you have to go via Salford Crescent or Hindley. Lancaster-Bolton is £14.60, so wouldn't be worth it anyway.