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Lancaster to London Euston

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Sammy h

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I have found a return ticket around £60 return. I was just wondering if anyone can find a cheaper one?

Leaving Lancaster Thursday 15th December (after 5PM) and returning on Sunday 18th December (any time)

No rail cards etc
 
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All Line Rover

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In terms of a direct train, then no, you won't be able to beat that price. As far as I am aware, it is impossible to save any money on a Virgin Train that runs non-stop between at least Nuneaton/Rugby and London Euston. Even with the Routeing Guide. :(

I'm just looking at alternative routes for you now. :)
 

Sammy h

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Thanks :)

Looking myself, but like you say, it is hard so split when it is a direct train there.
 

All Line Rover

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Right, on the outward journey, a £19 fare is available if you specify "via Manchester." This is a saving of £7 compared to the £26 fare available on the direct [17:36] train (although an excellent value £36.50 First Class fare is also available on this train, where you would be provided with a full Evening Meal service).

The direct train takes 2h 35m and gets you into London for [20:11]; going via Manchester takes 3h 41m and gets you into London for [22:33] (you would leave Lancaster at [18:52]). You would have to consider whether it is worth this inconvinience to save £7.

Before I continue any further, I would also point out that Virgin are having a "First Class Seat Sale" starting this Wednesday, with Lancaster to London costing just £28. You might want to wait until Wednesday to see if these cheap tickets are available on the [17:36] departure. I know it's not saving you any money, but you would get a First Class upgrade for just £2. ;)

I am unable to find any cheap tickets on the return journey (Virgin seem to have pulled almost all Standard Class Advance tickets on that date), although again, it may be worth waiting for the First Class Seat Sale.
 

Train jaune

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That sounds about the best you'll do to me. I've never found any real bargains that involve the combination of Lancaster & Sunday
 

Sammy h

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That's great, thanks ALR. I will keep my eye on the sale this week.
 

Urban Gateline

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Sammy, don't you work for Virgin? Why not find the TM and show your staff pass and see if they will let you on for a "reduced" rate? ;)
Or have you left Virgin and are joining them again for that new role you were sucessful in getting? Forgive my ignorance!
 

All Line Rover

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That's great, thanks ALR. I will keep my eye on the sale this week.

Tickets will be available through all channels - at the station (so you can use any Rail Travel Vouchers), on the phone, and online - including Redspottedhanky. Perhaps you could convert any Tesco Clubcard vouchers you've got lying about? ;)
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Sammy, don't you work for Virgin? Why not find the TM and show your staff pass and see if they will let you on for a "reduced" rate? ;)
Or have you left Virgin and are joining them again for that new role you were sucessful in getting? Forgive my ignorance!

As Sammy is only temporary staff I don't believe he's got a Virgin "TRIBE" card, which gives free travel on Virgin Trains services. And using a PRIV card (if he's got one) isn't even worth it when travelling with Virgin non-stop between Warrington and Euston!
 

Urban Gateline

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Tickets will be available through all channels - at the station (so you can use any Rail Travel Vouchers), on the phone, and online - including Redspottedhanky. Perhaps you could convert any Tesco Clubcard vouchers you've got lying about? ;)
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


As Sammy is only temporary staff I don't believe he's got a Virgin "TRIBE" card, which gives free travel on Virgin Trains services. And using a PRIV card (if he's got one) isn't even worth it when travelling with Virgin non-stop between Warrington and Euston!

How did you know Sammy is a "he"? I must've missed the clues that gave it away! Always thought Sammy was a ladies name :lol:

That's quite surprising to hear that staff are not given immediate free travel on their own TOC when they start working for them! Even temporary staff, could just be given a temporary permit!
 

All Line Rover

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How did you know Sammy is a "he"? I must've missed the clues that gave it away! Always thought Sammy was a ladies name :lol:

That's quite surprising to hear that staff are not given immediate free travel on their own TOC when they start working for them! Even temporary staff, could just be given a temporary permit!

Meh, perhaps Sammy is a she. I don't know! :)

Don't quote me 100% on the free travel arrangements, as I do not work for Virgin. Virgin staff on here will know more. It does seem odd, but it appears that temporary staff do not get free travel! :|
 

AlterEgo

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...it appears that temporary staff do not get free travel! :|

They don't, I'm afraid. They do in many cases get Residential Duty Passes for Virgin Trains, but no Tribe Card (which incidentally, is now defunct as of 31/10 - they have all expired and are being slowly replaced with a new ID card).
 

Sammy h

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Love all of the speculation. I am currently a 'casual' member of staff for Virgin, but was recently successful in an internal job, but it is only temporary until December 2012 (even though it was advertised as perm)

I have been sent through forms etc for free travel and sent them off last week, so I'm not sure where I stand or what happens with that. I suppose I will find out once I start.

I can also confirm that I am a male/man and definitely not a female/woman. I go by the name Sammy on a couple of other forums so just kept the name going :)
 

AlterEgo

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I have been sent through forms etc for free travel and sent them off last week, so I'm not sure where I stand or what happens with that. I suppose I will find out once I start.

I'm not sure whether fixed term contract staff get free travel. I have heard varying reports either way, including rumours that you need to wait for six months or some other shenanigans.

If you want to, PM me and I will give you the name and internal railway number of the person who deals with staff travel. They will be able to confirm what you are entitled to, and maybe even speed the process along... :)
 

Asian Demon

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I'm not sure whether fixed term contract staff get free travel. I have heard varying reports either way, including rumours that you need to wait for six months or some other shenanigans.

If you want to, PM me and I will give you the name and internal railway number of the person who deals with staff travel. They will be able to confirm what you are entitled to, and maybe even speed the process along... :)

Could you also pm me this number. I just need to query a couple of things.

Also Molesey, don't be giving people ideas like the one you mentioned above. It has led to many a person losing their jobs outright.
 

Urban Gateline

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Could you also pm me this number. I just need to query a couple of things.

Also Molesey, don't be giving people ideas like the one you mentioned above. It has led to many a person losing their jobs outright.

I merely suggested asking, not actually just getting on the train without a ticket, no harm in that.
 

LexyBoy

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Corrected.

Hmm well what about the so called Camaraderie, especially to those working in the same TOC as you!

My point was just that even asking could be construed as abuse of your position, so it's not true to say that there's no harm in asking. Not saying that's the way it should be (and as I don't work in the industry I can't say whether one would be likely to get into trouble for asking a favour like this. I'd hope not).
 

IanXC

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I'm not sure whether fixed term contract staff get free travel. I have heard varying reports either way, including rumours that you need to wait for six months or some other shenanigans.

As I understand it Agency and Temporary workers are now entitled to the same terms, conditions and benefits as Permanent staff. Not sure if we did it early or if its law yet, will have a look at work if I get chance.

 

AlterEgo

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But travel facilities are not in any non-safeguarded staff's contract. They are a "gift" I suppose you'd say.
 

snail

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My point was just that even asking could be construed as abuse of your position, so it's not true to say that there's no harm in asking. Not saying that's the way it should be (and as I don't work in the industry I can't say whether one would be likely to get into trouble for asking a favour like this. I'd hope not).
It could also be construed as abuse of the TMs position - and what happens in the classic "the other train manager said it was ok" situation we have read about in other threads? If Sammy gets on at Lancaster he will encounter a crew change at Preston on most journeys.
 

island

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As I understand it Agency and Temporary workers are now entitled to the same terms, conditions and benefits as Permanent staff. Not sure if we did it early or if its law yet, will have a look at work if I get chance.


Came in 1st of October; doesn't apply to contracts shorter than 12 weeks.
 
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