Boundary Zone 3 to Bluewater

[fusionblue]

I went to my station and asked for a return ticket from Boundary Zone 3 to Bluewater (as it includes the return bus trip to/from Greenhithe) and showed him my 16-25 railcard. I've got a zone 1-3 travelcard.

The plan was to go from Hither Green straight there.

Instead he issued a ticket from Lewisham to Bluewater (route: not valid on HS1). I asked him if he was meant to issue me this and he said "yes, it's the same price as if you was going from boundary zone 3". I then ask would this be valid if i went by Hither Green and he again says yes.

There is direct trains to/from Greenhithe from both Lewisham and Hither Green.

Is this ticket he gave me valid on either route?

 

[Paul Kelly]

There are no fares from Boundary Zone 3 to Bluewater. Anyway, Lewisham to Greenhithe is less than 3 miles longer via Hither Green and Sidcup compared to the shortest route via Blackheath and Kidbrooke (in fact there's almost nothing in it), so it is definitely valid to start short at Hither Green and go via Sidcup, without even having to look at routeing guide maps.

 

[fusionblue]

Great. It's always good to have a second opinion. Thank you for the advice

 

[island]

Agreed. You could have gotten Boundary Zone 3 to Greenhithe for 60p less (single) but would have needed to pay £1 (if it's not gone up) for the bus to the shops.

 

[CatfordCat]

Just an aside, and fully realise it would involve a slower overall journey, but it's worth bearing in mind that travelcard (with validity in any zone/s) and Oyster PAYG can be used on all TfL buses - buses no longer have travelcard zones within the network, or have any distinction whether the journey is within the GLA boundary or not.

Bluewater is served by routes 96, 428, 492 - 96 is non stop from Dartford, 428 only stops at Darent Valley Hospital, 492 is all stops.

Therefore, you could use a zone 1-3 travelcard for a bus journey from Dartford to Bluewater - wholly outside the GLA area.

(Having said that, I'd recommend the ride from Dartford to Bluewater via the 'Fastrack' bus service - which is not TfL and therefore not Oyster / Travelcardable - the rollercoaster ride into Bluewater is quite spectacular)

 

[fusionblue]

Just an aside, and fully realise it would involve a slower overall journey, but it's worth bearing in mind that travelcard (with validity in any zone/s) and Oyster PAYG can be used on all TfL buses - buses no longer have travelcard zones within the network, or have any distinction whether the journey is within the GLA boundary or not.

Bluewater is served by routes 96, 428, 492 - 96 is non stop from Dartford, 428 only stops at Darent Valley Hospital, 492 is all stops.

Therefore, you could use a zone 1-3 travelcard for a bus journey from Dartford to Bluewater - wholly outside the GLA area.

(Having said that, I'd recommend the ride from Dartford to Bluewater via the 'Fastrack' bus service - which is not TfL and therefore not Oyster / Travelcardable - the rollercoaster ride into Bluewater is quite spectacular)

I completely forgot about the 96 bus I can't cancel/refund it now, but i only paid £5.65 for a return ticket (including the bus from Greenhithe).

 

[bicbasher]

For future reference, Plusbus from Dartford is valid on FastTrack routes A and B. £3.90 or £2.60 with a railcard in addition to your fare.

 

[island]

Just an aside, and fully realise it would involve a slower overall journey, but it's worth bearing in mind that travelcard (with validity in any zone/s) and Oyster PAYG can be used on all TfL buses - buses no longer have travelcard zones within the network, or have any distinction whether the journey is within the GLA boundary or not.

Bluewater is served by routes 96, 428, 492 - 96 is non stop from Dartford, 428 only stops at Darent Valley Hospital, 492 is all stops.

Therefore, you could use a zone 1-3 travelcard for a bus journey from Dartford to Bluewater - wholly outside the GLA area.

(Having said that, I'd recommend the ride from Dartford to Bluewater via the 'Fastrack' bus service - which is not TfL and therefore not Oyster / Travelcardable - the rollercoaster ride into Bluewater is quite spectacular)

The 96 also stops at Crayford if it's handy.

 

[Deerfold]

The 96 also stops at Crayford if it's handy.

It stops there even if it isn't handy.

 

[MikeWh]

The 96 also stops at Crayford if it's handy.

So does the 428 and the 492, although the 492 does have a more scenic route to Dartford as well as stopping everywhere between Dartford and Bluewater.