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Buying a ticket for the last train of the day

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extendedpaul

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I need to travel between Cardiff (Central) and Caerphilly on Tuesday (23rd) and was intending to use the final train service of the day which normally departs at 23.16. It isn't running next week from Monday to Thursday and there's no replacement bus either. The previous departure at 22.35 does, however, have a replacement bus.

I sent an enquiry/complaint to Transport For Wales about this a few days ago which has been acknowledged but they say a reply may take up to 20 days. Thought I'd seek advice here before telephoning them.

There is a service bus from Cardiff at 23.00 but I will be hard-pushed to catch that. If I do miss it and have a return rail ticket are TFW obligated to get me back to Caerphilly ? Also is it not unreasonable or even illegal to just cancel the last train and not provide a bus instead ? The final service which runs through to Ystrad Mynach is usually quite busy and I'm sure not every intended passenger will know it's not running.
 
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tiptoptaff

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I need to travel between Cardiff (Central) and Caerphilly on Tuesday (23rd) and was intending to use the final train service of the day which normally departs at 23.16. It isn't running next week from Monday to Thursday and there's no replacement bus either. The previous departure at 22.35 does, however, have a replacement bus.

I sent an enquiry/complaint to Transport For Wales about this a few days ago which has been acknowledged but they say a reply may take up to 20 days. Thought I'd seek advice here before telephoning them.

There is a service bus from Cardiff at 23.00 but I will be hard-pushed to catch that. If I do miss it and have a return rail ticket are TFW obligated to get me back to Caerphilly ? Also is it not unreasonable or even illegal to just cancel the last train and not provide a bus instead ? The final service which runs through to Ystrad Mynach is usually quite busy and I'm sure not every intended passenger will know it's not running.
If you know about the alterations before purchasing your ticket, then no, they do not need to get you home.

If you've already purchased your ticket and they've subsequently changed it, then yes they do
 

extendedpaul

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If a passenger buys a return ticket earlier in the day, or just buys a single from the ticket machine shortly before the usual departure time, how can it be established whether they were aware of the train not running ?
 

tiptoptaff

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If a passenger buys a return ticket earlier in the day, or just buys a single from the ticket machine shortly before the usual departure time, how can it be established whether they were aware of the train not running ?
Because, we're already aware of the alterations, so buying a ticket on the day is bound by the timetable available on that day.
 

yorkie

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There is a service bus from Cardiff at 23.00 but I will be hard-pushed to catch that. If I do miss it and have a return rail ticket are TFW obligated to get me back to Caerphilly ?
They are obliged to get you back in accordance with the timetable that was advertised at the time the ticket was purchased.
Also is it not unreasonable or even illegal to just cancel the last train and not provide a bus instead ?
It's not reasonable.

But passengers who bought their ticket at a time when journey planners stated the train was not running probably don't have a contractual right to travel, though it may depend on the experience they had when purchasing their ticket and what notices were displayed. e.g. if the they bought it from the ticket office and the ticket office said a normal service was running, this would form terms of the contract.

It might be a franchise breach; if TfW won't provide an alternative then you could try asking whoever it is at the Welsh Government who determines the terms of the franchise.
The final service which runs through to Ystrad Mynach is usually quite busy and I'm sure not every intended passenger will know it's not running.
They really ought to provide an alternative in my opinion.
 

extendedpaul

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I will probably have to leave the event I'm attending early for the service bus as I can't risk being stranded and having to pay £30 for a taxi.

Overnight engineering work on Valley lines is quite common but I've previously had a replacement bus for every cancelled train. If only one bus could be provided I think it should have replaced the final train, not the next-to-last but I'm just a passenger.
 

sonic2009

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Do Cardiff have Uber?

Google seems to quote a fare of between £13-£17 for Cardiff to Caerphilly.
 

extendedpaul

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I understand that there are other ways to travel but I still think it is unacceptable to advance cancel ANY final train of the day with no road replacement service.

The vast majority of intending passengers will no doubt be aware and make alternative arrangements. However I would estimate that there are on average 30-40 passengers on that departure from Cardiff of whom more board at Queen Street than at Central. I'm sure a few will just turn up expecting a train and may not have the funds for a taxi. Hopefully arrangements will be made for them.
 

Llanigraham

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I understand that there are other ways to travel but I still think it is unacceptable to advance cancel ANY final train of the day with no road replacement service.

Whilst I understand your angst over this matter have you considered that perhaps TfW are unable to obtain any buses to cover this service?
 

Roverebbw

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I understand that there are other ways to travel but I still think it is unacceptable to advance cancel ANY final train of the day with no road replacement service.

The vast majority of intending passengers will no doubt be aware and make alternative arrangements. However I would estimate that there are on average 30-40 passengers on that departure from Cardiff of whom more board at Queen Street than at Central. I'm sure a few will just turn up expecting a train and may not have the funds for a taxi. Hopefully arrangements will be made for them.

Transport for Wales have now put bus replacement on their site for the 2316 train to Caerphilly .it on the
 

Roverebbw

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The have now put the 2316 to Caerphilly as a bus replacement on the other trains update page for the web site .it not in the timetable page
 

extendedpaul

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The have now put the 2316 to Caerphilly as a bus replacement on the other trains update page for the web site .it not in the timetable page
That's great news. I wonder if it's as a consequence of the matter being raised here ? I understand train operating companies do keep a close eye on this forum ! Or maybe it was my complaint, whatever I will now be able to enjoy the show I'm seeing tomorrow without having to keep a worried eye on the time
 

bb21

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That's great news. I wonder if it's as a consequence of the matter being raised here ? I understand train operating companies do keep a close eye on this forum ! Or maybe it was my complaint, whatever I will now be able to enjoy the show I'm seeing tomorrow without having to keep a worried eye on the time
Perhaps although I doubt it.

It is not uncommon for the odd replacement bus schedules to appear late.
 
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