Freedom Pass validity on GWR fast trains

[Sprinter]

I haven't posted on a good while but I would like some clarification on the issue of Disabled Persons Freedom Passes being valid on ANY train between Paddington and Reading during normal off peak times (not just on XR services).

This issue came about when I went to Paddington GWR ticket office to ask for a extension ticket from Boundary zone 6 to Reading one Saturday morning. The person serving me advised me that my Freedom Pass would cover me for the journey I requested. I said even on the fast train to Oxford, he said yes it is valid on any train to Reading. So off I went on my merry way without problems.

I have been doing this journey several times since, however on my most recent trip back from Reading to Paddington on a fast train I got challenged by the guard and he said they are not valid on a fast train from Reading only on Elizabeth line trains. I mentioned what the ticket office person said to me and he would get onto control to confirm but let me carry on the journey.

I have tonight been in touch with the GWR helpline and got through to an operator who agreed with his Paddington ticket office colleague that Freedom Passes are valid on their fast trains between Reading and Paddington.

However I do note on the official Freedom Pass validity map, that Freedom Pases can only be used on Crossrail services to Reading (not GWR).

Does anyone here know for definite?

 

[Haywain]

It is valid on GWR services within zones 1-6 and has additional validity on Elizabeth line services to Reading. It is not valid on GWR services outside of zones 1-6.

 

[gray1404]

It sounds like you were given incorrect information by the ticket office and the helpline. The guard on the train was right.

After zone 6 your Freedom Pass is only valid on the Elizabeth line trains if you're going to Reading. This is valid at any time of day.

However a Boundary Zone 6 to Reading or West Drayton to Reading ticket would enable you to travel on the fast GWR services as you have been doing already. You would need to choose any Anytime or Off Peak ticket depending on the time of travel of you are to use the fast services.

You are very lucky that you have not got into more serious trouble for travelling without a valid ticket, such as having your details taken and being reported for improper use of the Freedom Pass or travelling without a valid ticket. Next time do insist the booking office issue the ticket you are requesting.

 

[Joe Paxton]

[...]
However I do note on the official Freedom Pass validity map, that Freedom Pases can only be used on Crossrail services to Reading (not GWR).

Does anyone here know for definite?

The Freedom Pass map (PDF version) is correct - the Freedom Pass is only valid as far west as West Drayton on GWR services.

You have been given less than helpful advice from GWR twice over... well downright incorrect advice. Poor show on their behalf.

 

[Taunton]

This line is of course subject to fairly regular disruptions, when it is announced that "tickets" are being accepted on various other means. Are Freedom Pass holders thus able at such times to travel on the expresses between Reading and Paddington, or even SWR Reading to Waterloo?

 

[gray1404]

This line is of course subject to fairly regular disruptions, when it is announced that "tickets" are being accepted on various other means. Are Freedom Pass holders thus able at such times to travel on the expresses between Reading and Paddington, or even SWR Reading to Waterloo?

I would say that in disruption if EL announce ticket acceptance with GWR or SWR then yes.