Private Eye magazine (issue 1307) has picked up on the issue of ticket validity on Southern's 'Gatwick Express' services. An issue which has been the source of much debate on here.
The Eye points out that GatEx was merged into Southern in 2008, but is still treated as a premium service - despite the fact that GatEx trains are slower than some SN services, as well as the issue of the 'Express' trains which continue onto Brighton. The article points out that SN still charge a premium to those travelling to Gatwick, but fares to other stations on the line are not charged at a premium rate, even when travelling on a 'GatEx' train.
Mention is also made on the validity of DaySave and Downlander tickets - which now state that they are not valid on GatEx. The issue remains, as the article points out, with the Southern network map which continues to include the GatEx service - despite Southern tickets apparently not being valid on the service.
The article does not mention the issue of whether GatEx is a seperate company or franchise - as has been claimed by members of staff and representatives of the company to members of this forum.
I hope this is of interest.
The Eye points out that GatEx was merged into Southern in 2008, but is still treated as a premium service - despite the fact that GatEx trains are slower than some SN services, as well as the issue of the 'Express' trains which continue onto Brighton. The article points out that SN still charge a premium to those travelling to Gatwick, but fares to other stations on the line are not charged at a premium rate, even when travelling on a 'GatEx' train.
Mention is also made on the validity of DaySave and Downlander tickets - which now state that they are not valid on GatEx. The issue remains, as the article points out, with the Southern network map which continues to include the GatEx service - despite Southern tickets apparently not being valid on the service.
The article does not mention the issue of whether GatEx is a seperate company or franchise - as has been claimed by members of staff and representatives of the company to members of this forum.
I hope this is of interest.