Touching in/out on barriers (outside London) using a Flexi Season on an ITSO card

[CharlieSpotted]

Hi all,

So I'm seeing occasional posts here which refer to a failure to touch in/out on barriers, generally in London using either Oyster or an ITSO card like "The Key". I gather the problem here is that this means the journey can't be registered properly.

Since returning to the office I've started using a Flexi Season ticket loaded onto an LNWR branded ITSO card to travel between Wolverhampton and Birmingham. The barriers at either end are frequently open and so I don't necessarily tap the card. I'm thinking this shouldn't be a problem because the journey is already fixed when you buy the ticket, and I activate the ticket on my phone before I set off (thereby reducing the number of tickets available to activate). It's therefore been "paid for" regardless if the card is tapped.

Do we agree that this shouldn't be a problem, or should I be tapping even if the barriers are open (would it even register?). Is there a scenario we can imagine where someone might check the card, see that it hasn't been tapped in (or out) and object, and would they have any grounds to object?

I realise this is different to a London pay-as-you-go type scenario, but interested in people's thoughts?

 

[Deafdoggie]

The LNR website clearly says "activate your flexi season by tapping a ticket barrier or on the app" so there appears to be no need to do both.

 

[Haywain]

I realise this is different to a London pay-as-you-go type scenario, but interested in people's thoughts?

As you noted, the key thing with a Flexi season is that it is activated when you use it. As it gives unlimited travel on that day the touch in/out is not vital. Having said that, it’s not a bad habit to get into.

 

[Wallsendmag]

Good idea to tap in/out can help with delay repay claims, even if the gates are open they should register the tap

 

[swt_passenger]

As you noted, the key thing with a Flexi season is that it is activated when you use it. As it gives unlimited travel on that day the touch in/out is not vital. Having said that, it’s not a bad habit to get into.

But some sort of validation of a “flexi” before travel if you don’t touch in must be essential, or you would be in trouble if/when checked onboard?

 

[Haywain]

But some sort of validation of a “flexi” before travel if you don’t touch in must be essential, or you would be in trouble if/when checked onboard?

Yes, as I said it must be activated.

 

[randyrippley]

Yes, as I said it must be activated.

which presumably means touching in on the start of the days journey...............???

 

[Haywain]

which presumably means touching in on the start of the days journey...............???

No, there are a number of ways that it can be activated.

 

[Deafdoggie]

which presumably means touching in on the start of the days journey...............???

See original post

 

[Recessio]

If it doesn't cause any issues, then why not play it safe and tap anyway?

 

[CharlieSpotted]

Thanks all...

Just to clarify, the day's ticket is "activated" (loaded onto the card) using my phone before I leave for the station - you load the app, select the option to activate a ticket, and then hold the card on the NFC sensor on the phone.

Noted that tapping on the barrier (even if open) certainly wouldn't hurt and may help with delay repay etc. - I think I'll start doing that... after the strikes...