Metrolink don't operate to a timetable, so I don't really think it's comparable.Same issue with Metrolink machines. What is the issue with allowing a 5-10 grace period on buying off-peak tickets?
They do, it's just called expect a tram every 3-12 minutes.Metrolink don't operate to a timetable, so I don't really think it's comparable.
Been that way for as long as I can remember...there should be an option full stop not just a ‘grace period’
A Northern ticket machine? Selling tickets for another day? Don't be ridiculous...Do they have a "tickets for a different day" option?
Metrolink don't operate to a timetable, so I don't really think it's comparable.
If the tram leaves at 0930, without you, and you leave instead at 0936, the tram company have not done anything which they didn't say they would. They say off-peak tickets are available from 0930 and that a service runs every 6 minutes from Altrincham. I don't see the problem.
Going to Bury it's a 12 minute frequency on the new timetable.
If the tram leaves at 0930, without you, and you leave instead at 0936, the tram company have not done anything which they didn't say they would. They say off-peak tickets are available from 0930 and that a service runs every 6 minutes from Altrincham. I don't see the problem.
That is just plain nonsense they should sell the tickets you ask for especially when it obvious which train you will catch. I would try and claim delay repay in this case if I was prevented from catching a train under such circumstances.Err, in my experience that's how its always been on Northern TVM, they only sell valid tickets. Virgin and Northern ticket office staff always make me wait till 9:30 as well.
Metrolink don't operate to a timetable, so I don't really think it's comparable.
They do, it's just called expect a tram every 3-12 minutes.
Virgin and Northern ticket office staff always make me wait till 9:30 as well.
They did. They were also faster and more reliable than the new ones. At Batley, I only once saw the machine out of order when I needed to use it. The new one has only been working once! I can't understand why they've changed decent machines which worked for slower ones which don't. Is this the "efficiency" we were promised that the private sector would bring?From my experience Northern ticket office will sell you an off-peak ticket as soon as the last train which off-peak tickets aren't valid on has departed. At a station like Wigan Wallgate where there's a 09:29 departure the same approach might mean the earliest they'll sell you an off-peak ticket is 09:30.
I was sure the old Parkeon Northern machines sold you off-peak tickets in advance of the time they were valid from with a warning they are not valid until xx:xx. I was right as I just found an old ticket with a B3 restriction (not valid before 09:00) sold at 08:52 which has the Northern Parkeon TVM printing format.
They did. They were also faster and more reliable than the new ones. At Batley, I only once saw the machine out of order when I needed to use it. The new one has only been working once! I can't understand why they've changed decent machines which worked for slower ones which don't. Is this the "efficiency" we were promised that the private sector would bring?
Would it be possible to book online using a smartphone (perhaps even as you walk to the station) and then just collect your ticket from the same machine?
Thanks. Wasn't sure if there might be a delay built into the process, for example to stop people short-faring.Yes, the Northern app when you purchase will offer either mTicket or pickup ticket options (mTicket won't even show up at all if part of your journey involves for example another TOC). Leeds even has a couple of dedicated ticket collection machines platform side but they're often out of order!
Problem with the old ticket machines at Wallgate was they wouldn't sell tickets to the Manchester station group (ctrlz or Stns) they would only sell to individual stations so if I wanted one I could use on the trams or use alternate stations I had to get it from the ticket office.
http://email.envoy.uk.net/t/ViewEmailArchive/t/DBFB5939536AD221/C67FD2F38AC4859C/Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs)
Northern have started preparations to install TVMs on all stations between Whitby & Middlesbrough except Kildale and Commondale. You will be able to buy national rail tickets and collect tickets ordered online. The machines will only accept cards, no cash.
Vandalism to the TVM's on Metrolink is far from uncommon, Rochdale line I think has to be the worst for it however the Bury line as you say has been suffering recently. Bowker Vale's Bury bound platform had a bag over it for weeks.Talking of ticket machines, it seems that the TVM on Manchester Metrolink system has been targeted by criminal elements with hand-held machine tools to cut into the panels near to where notes are accepted. SkyScraper City makes mention of the Crumpsall stop being one recently targeted.
New Mills Newtown was down to who would pay I believe. I am happy to see it reopened as in these austere times a machine on the platform would have obviously been the cheaper option.