GMPTE season tickets

[strange6]

I will need to make the trip from Wigan to manchester everyday in a couple of weeks. Don't want to drive to manchester for obvious reasons so the train is my transport. I would be prepared to drive to somewhere like Gathurst or Appley Bridge if it meant beating the crush onto a morning train at Wallgate. Therefore, what ticket would the experts recommend please? Is there a ticket for anywhere in the manchester area (like the ranger) or will I have to be 'stop' specific? I will be travelling before 09:30 by the way.
Thanks

 

[323235]

These are the 7 day options I have found :-

Appley Bridge/Gathurst/Wigan Wallgate - Manchester 7 Day Season ticket is £23.80
Added Benefit :- Valid on any train in GMPTE area at weekends

GMPTE Train Card Weekly is £24.50
Valid for unlimited train travel throughout Greater Manchester

GMPTE Countycard 7 Days £30.20
Valid on Buses,Trains and City Centre Zone trams

Longer Versions of each are available

http://www.systemonetravelcards.co.uk/ has information on Train Cards and CountyCards.

 

[strange6]

These are the 7 day options I have found :-

Appley Bridge/Gathurst/Wigan Wallgate - Manchester 7 Day Season ticket is £23.80
Added Benefit :- Valid on any train in GMPTE area at weekends

GMPTE Train Card Weekly is £24.50
Valid for unlimited train travel throughout Greater Manchester

GMPTE Countycard 7 Days £30.20
Valid on Buses,Trains and City Centre Zone trams

Longer Versions of each are available

http://www.systemonetravelcards.co.uk/ has information on Train Cards and CountyCards.

Thanks for that! Quite good value prices those!

 

[175001]

Remember youll need a photo card ID prepared at a manned station such as Wallgate or we will not be able to issue you a 7 day season and you'll have to buy a SDR.

 

[Saxonia]

My 2 learned colleagues have given excellent advice above, & any of these tickets would certainly be your cheapest option - it's just down to whichever one is best for you.
The only thing that I would really add here is that if you do intend to board the train at Gathurst/Appley Bridge (quite sensible, really) is that you MUST have your season ticket ID with you, for which you present the application form + photo ID at any manned ticket office - processing only takes a few minutes.
Also, a number of conductors do appear to have some difficulties issuing traincard/countycard, so a little help for you here :-
Destination for Traincard = H258
Destination for Countycard = H259
The only other thing to note is that only 7 day season tickets can be issued on the train - for longer periods, they must be bought at a ticket office, ok.

 

[strange6]

My 2 learned colleagues have given excellent advice above, & any of these tickets would certainly be your cheapest option - it's just down to whichever one is best for you.
The only thing that I would really add here is that if you do intend to board the train at Gathurst/Appley Bridge (quite sensible, really) is that you MUST have your season ticket ID with you, for which you present the application form + photo ID at any manned ticket office - processing only takes a few minutes.
Also, a number of conductors do appear to have some difficulties issuing traincard/countycard, so a little help for you here :-
Destination for Traincard = H258
Destination for Countycard = H259
The only other thing to note is that only 7 day season tickets can be issued on the train - for longer periods, they must be bought at a ticket office, ok.

Brilliant advice!Very much appreciated The admins should be very proud of you lot!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Brilliant advice!Very much appreciated The admins should be very proud of you lot!

Think I will get monthly season tickets
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
For the season ticket ID, would a photo driving licence suffice?

 

[WatcherZero]

As to loadings the 7:29 and 7:37 service from Wallgate are busy but with seats, any later and you will probably be standing some of the time. Where do you need to get to and how early do you need to arrive?

 

[strange6]

As to loadings the 7:29 service from Wallgate is busy but with seats, any later and you will probably be standing some of the time. Where do you need to get to and how early do you need to arrive?

I will need to get to UMIST for about 08:30 so Picadilly will be my best stop I would think. I'm debating on driving to Gathurst so that I can get on before wallgate and make use of the free parking

 

[WatcherZero]

Oxford Roads probably the closest stop I dont know how long the walk is from the station however.

 

[strange6]

Oxford Roads probably the closest stop I dont know how long the walk is from the station however.

Oh, it's only a few minutes from either station. To tell you the truth, I will probably walk it down to Victoria during the summer months when going home. I hate getting on a train at Oxford Road and Picadilly, much too busy

 

[WatcherZero]

Its the best way to get a train back to Wigan, even at Pic I will simply get a tram to Vic.

 

[Saxonia]

Brilliant advice!Very much appreciated The admins should be very proud of you lot!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Think I will get monthly season tickets
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
For the season ticket ID, would a photo driving licence suffice?

Mm - just the one thing that needs clarifying a little more clearly, methinks - you do actually need to take a passport sized photo with you to the ticket office when applying for your season ticket - this photo is then affixed to the photo ID part of the season ticket - after that, all monthlies & above can be bought from any ticket office, & weeklies can be bought on the train from the conductor.
Personally, I would stick with the Gathurst/Appley Bridge option - far greater choice of seats in the morning than at Wigan, & there are the two return "club" trains from Man Vic direct to both stns at 1706 & 1740 - you are strongly advised to board at Man Vic & NOT Salford Central - the reason for this is because both services, especially the 1740, are habitually short-formed, & they don't look a pretty sight at Sal Central/Crescent when this happens...........

 

[strange6]

Mm - just the one thing that needs clarifying a little more clearly, methinks - you do actually need to take a passport sized photo with you to the ticket office when applying for your season ticket - this photo is then affixed to the photo ID part of the season ticket - after that, all monthlies & above can be bought from any ticket office, & weeklies can be bought on the train from the conductor.
Personally, I would stick with the Gathurst/Appley Bridge option - far greater choice of seats in the morning than at Wigan, & there are the two return "club" trains from Man Vic direct to both stns at 1706 & 1740 - you are strongly advised to board at Man Vic & NOT Salford Central - the reason for this is because both services, especially the 1740, are habitually short-formed, & they don't look a pretty sight at Sal Central/Crescent when this happens...........

Oh my god! Thanks for the advice. The only thing that concerns me about getting on at Gathurst or Appley bridge is that my choice of trains will be limited when going home and so my day will be longer!
Will my season ticket be valid on the tram to take me down to Victoria if the weather is bad?

 

[Saxonia]

Oh my god! Thanks for the advice. The only thing that concerns me about getting on at Gathurst or Appley bridge is that my choice of trains will be limited when going home and so my day will be longer!
Will my season ticket be valid on the tram to take me down to Victoria if the weather is bad?

Any season ticket with Manchester CTLZ as the destination, or routed "via Metrolink" is valid within the city centre on the trams - tickets with Manchester stns as the destination or not endorsed "via Metrolink" may be used via Sal Crescent between Victoria & Piccadilly, or on the free Metroshuttle buses. As for your other query, whilst there are an extra 3 trains per hour between Wigan & Manchester, you are left with the cost of parking the car (& where to park it), whilst the weekly season from the 2 outlying stns is the same price as from Wigan - the choice is yours, as they say.

 

[strange6]

Any season ticket with Manchester CTLZ as the destination, or routed "via Metrolink" is valid within the city centre on the trams - tickets with Manchester stns as the destination or not endorsed "via Metrolink" may be used via Sal Crescent between Victoria & Piccadilly, or on the free Metroshuttle buses. As for your other query, whilst there are an extra 3 trains per hour between Wigan & Manchester, you are left with the cost of parking the car (& where to park it), whilst the weekly season from the 2 outlying stns is the same price as from Wigan - the choice is yours, as they say.

Free parking at Gathurst and Appley Bridge! Think I'll chance Wigan Wallgate for a couple of weeks and see how we go! Thanks for all your advice!

 

[Bobo]

See here...it says you can use the GMPTE Traincard for free travel on the Metrolink Trams within the City Zone

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/promotions/pr93c0eaeb9d4653b48ac9b0307154fb/details.html
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Any season ticket with Manchester CTLZ as the destination, or routed "via Metrolink" is valid within the city centre on the trams - tickets with Manchester stns as the destination or not endorsed "via Metrolink" may be used via Sal Crescent between Victoria & Piccadilly, or on the free Metroshuttle buses. As for your other query, whilst there are an extra 3 trains per hour between Wigan & Manchester, you are left with the cost of parking the car (& where to park it), whilst the weekly season from the 2 outlying stns is the same price as from Wigan - the choice is yours, as they say.

I assume you are not referring to the GMPTE Traincard then which allows free metrolink tram travel within the city zone as my traincard route says "Any Permitted"?

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/promotions/pr93c0eaeb9d4653b48ac9b0307154fb/details.html

 

[strange6]

See here...it says you can use the GMPTE Traincard for free travel on the Metrolink Trams within the City Zone

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/promotions/pr93c0eaeb9d4653b48ac9b0307154fb/details.html
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


I assume you are not referring to the GMPTE Traincard then which allows free metrolink tram travel within the city zone as my traincard route says "Any Permitted"?

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/promotions/pr93c0eaeb9d4653b48ac9b0307154fb/details.html

Thanks for that. Yeah, I think any GMPTE season ticket or anytime/off-peak tickets with CTRLZ printed on them allow the tram within city limits. I think GMPTE are one of the best in the country to tell you the truth in terms of value. Plus they have free minibus travel for commuters from Picadilly station and Salford central to various spots within Manchester

 

[Bobo]

Thanks for that. Yeah, I think any GMPTE season ticket or anytime/off-peak tickets with CTRLZ printed on them allow the tram within city limits. I think GMPTE are one of the best in the country to tell you the truth in terms of value. Plus they have free minibus travel for commuters from Picadilly station and Salford central to various spots within Manchester

What I am getting at is the fact that I have a GMPTE Traincard which does not say CTRLZ on it like you mention, mine says Route "Any Permitted" and as per the link I posted earlier this entitles me to free metrolink tram travel within the city zone. Yes, I also use one of the 3 free metroshuttles (buses) around the city centre as well. It's great.

 

[strange6]

What I am getting at is the fact that I have a GMPTE Traincard which does not say CTRLZ on it like you mention, mine says Route "Any Permitted" and as per the link I posted earlier this entitles me to free metrolink tram travel within the city zone. Yes, I also use one of the 3 free metroshuttles (buses) around the city centre as well. It's great.

Yeah, but CTRLZ is only printed on anytime/off-peak singles and returns. Season tickets of any kind (including rangers and rovers) are automatically entitled to tram travel within city limits. Should have made that clear in my last post!

 

[Bobo]

Yeah, but CTRLZ is only printed on anytime/off-peak singles and returns. Season tickets of any kind (including rangers and rovers) are automatically entitled to tram travel within city limits. Should have made that clear in my last post!

Thought so. So my GMPTE Traincard automatically qualifies for free metrolink tram travel within the city zone regardless of what is printed on it. Obviously it has to have GMPTE Traincard printed on it though!

 

[strange6]

Thought so. So my GMPTE Traincard automatically qualifies for free metrolink tram travel within the city zone regardless of what is printed on it. Obviously it has to have GMPTE Traincard printed on it though!

Yes, I'm sure of it. Quite handy to have if you want to transfer from Victoria to Picadilly because it's a bit of a walk uphill!

 

[Solent&Wessex]

Extract from the current edition of the National Fares Manual:

Season Tickets

Normal instructions apply. Season Tickets valid for travel between any two points in the Greater Manchester area are valid for travel anywhere within the Greater Manchester ticketing area on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.


Traincard

Traincard is a rail Season Ticket valid on all rail services within the Greater Manchester area – also valid beyond the GMPTE boundary to Disley and New Mills Newtown / Central. It is valid for periods of Weekly, Monthly and Annual only. Traincards are valid for travel on Metrolink services within the City Zone only. Price: Weekly £24.50; Monthly £83.00; Annual £787.00.


Countycard

Countycard is a Multi-Modal Season Ticket valid on all rail services and most buses within the Greater Manchester area – also valid on rail beyond the GMPTE boundary to Disley and New Mills Newtown / Central. It is valid for periods of Weekly, Monthly and Annual only. Countycards are valid for travel on Metrolink services within the City Zone only. Price: Weekly £30.20; Monthly £95.00; Annual £950.00

 

[pdq]

A bit confused by this... I have an annual Batley to Manchester stations any permitted ticket which I can use to either Pic or Vic. Does this mean I can use the tram in between the two, or is it only for GMPTE season tickets?

 

[Solent&Wessex]

A bit confused by this... I have an annual Batley to Manchester stations any permitted ticket which I can use to either Pic or Vic. Does this mean I can use the tram in between the two, or is it only for GMPTE season tickets?

It only applies to season tickets issued for journeys entirely within the GMPTE area.

 

[Bobo]

Extract from the current edition of the National Fares Manual:

Traincard

Traincard is a rail Season Ticket valid on all rail services within the Greater Manchester area – also valid beyond the GMPTE boundary to Disley and New Mills Newtown / Central. It is valid for periods of Weekly, Monthly and Annual only. Traincards are valid for travel on Metrolink services within the City Zone only. Price: Weekly £24.50; Monthly £83.00; Annual £787.00.

Sorry but I have to point out a descrepancy with what KWVR45 has posted above about Train Cards. You have quoted "Traincards are valid for travel on Metrolink services within the City Zone only."

HOWEVER if you visit the URL I posted earlier in this thread i.e. http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/promotions/pr93c0eaeb9d4653b48ac9b0307154fb/details.html

Then it says "Traincard also gives free travel on Metrolink trams in the city zone"

Again, I have a Traincard and this entitles me to free metrolink tram travel within the city zone as per above.

 

[WatcherZero]

I dont see the issue there bobo

 

[Solent&Wessex]

What I posted was a direct copy and paste from the National Fares Manual, an internal staff document giving details of ticket validities, PTE tickets etc.

 

[hairyhandedfool]

To my knowledge rail tickets valid on Metrolink trams/services in the city zone are:

• Those with a destination of Manchester CTLZ.
• Those to a Metrolink destination.
• GM Day Rangers.
• Countycards.
• Traincards.
• Those that are 'rte Metrolink'.
• Those for travel to/from stations between Altrincham/Navigation Road and Mouldsworth inclusive, for travel to or via Manchester, on a Sunday.
• Daysavers.

Metroshuttle buses are not Metrolink services and are free to anyone.

 

[Bobo]

What I posted was a direct copy and paste from the National Fares Manual, an internal staff document giving details of ticket validities, PTE tickets etc.

Yes and I am quoting what is currently on the National Rail Enquiries website.

 

[island]

Hold the front page! National Rail in inconsistent information shocker!