hairyhandedfool
Established Member
- Joined
- 14 Apr 2008
- Messages
- 8,837
I find it slightly odd that you are generally, with good professional knowledge to support you, somewhat ruthless with your interpretation of the rules; but when it comes to this particular point about through trains you have a surprisingly different attitude. That is an observation, not an attempt to be impolite or provocative.
I appreciate that some of the discussion is about trying to stretch the interpretation of the language used as far as possible - in a sense, that is part of the fun we have on this forum! However, just being sensible and reasonable rather than semantic, I find it hard to believe that the rule about direct trains can mean anything other than indicating an any-permitted ticket from A to B can be used throughout from A to B, without getting off intermediately, on a single train that goes directly from A to B....
I think it is irresponsible of the forum as a whole to indicate something is allowed based on the theory that no-one has been stopped for doing it (which is where many threads would otherwise end up). When I started on the railway, my trainer was of the opinion that whilst it is nice to know all the shortcuts, it's better to know how things should be done and what rules apply so that if things go wrong you know exactly what you have done wrong, what you have got yourself into and possibly a way to get out of it.
So, I prefer the posters are aware of the implications of a decision and the rules that surround it. To that end, I point out where the rules differ from 'popular opinion' and what might happen. I do occasionally point out that what can happen and what does happen aren't always the same.
In the case of through trains, the rules are quite clear and passenger friendly. It's very rare I know, but it does happen.
....Sure, you can use the words to make your assertion but I do not believe that it was ever the intention of the rule to allow multiple breaks of journey on trains that just happened to be going from A to B. I can't see how you think otherwise given your usual approach - nothing wrong with your usual approach - and (getting to my point) I therefore strongly feel it is not at all responsible for this forum to be suggesting it's OK. ...
The rules are clear, through trains always follow a permitted route (NRCoC Condition 13) and break of journey is allowed along any permitted route unless a ticket prohibits it (NRCoC Condition 16).
....A keen RPI could easily decide to go straight for intent to avoid payment if someone tried to use an Overpool to Ellesmere Port ticket to travel from Overpool to Liverpool. I guess I am saying that I agree with Yorkie and First Class, and that the more straightforward interpretation is the one we should be giving.
An RPI could do that, however, I would be surprise if, when faced by evidence in the contract (NRCoC), the TOC and/or it's agents continued any proceedings against the ticket holder.
....I have to concede that if you alight from a direct train and exit the station, a defence of "But I am on a direct train", seems absurd....
It does seem absurd, but I know of no rules that prohibit break of journey on permitted routes where the ticket normally allows break of journey. If there is such a rule I would welcome it being highlighted as it is off benefit to us all to know it. Currently I believe this situation is adequately covered by NRCoC Condition 13 and 16.