I know unofficially that most the time if you ask nicely it is allowed but officially does anybody think this will ever change as in most locations staff from various toc`s use each others trains .
My local station is operated by a TOC different from the TOC I work for. They have never let me through the barriers. I've given up asking now.I had a long conversation about this with a colleague.
I'm newish to the industry, so I've always bought my priv tickets. Sometimes, the guard has said I should've had a word and travelled free. My reply/curiosity is how I get out the barriers the other end, especially at a station my TOC doesn't serve.
The general conclusion we came to was you only have to meet one member if staff who wants to make an example and bam. priv gone. Is it worth it?
As a guard, if you flash me a staff pass, I'm not bothering you for a ticket, but I do wonder how you'll get out of the station.
It’s not about abusing the facilities, it’s about looking out for each other. I’d never take for granted that I’d get free travel with other TOCs.I do wish that those who are lucky to have travel facilities use them properly and do not abuse the privilege. Remember there are large groups of workers in the rail industry who get nothing.
If you’ve been given permission by the guard to travel on their train free of charge, there’s nothing Revenue can do about it. Admittedly if you’re going to a barriered station explaining this may be easier said than done. It’s a judgement call really.My opinion is that if you get priv, and have an opportunity to buy a ticket at a manned ticket office, then use it.
If revenue protection are on board or at the other end manning barriers then what excuse do we have? We work on te railway, are paid by the railway and know the score. Having such a good discount is a luxury, some open operator staff and the freight guys/girls don't get a thing. The least we can do is buy a ticket on another toc
Priv rate is a 75% discount on walk-up fares of the class of travel you are entitled to, which is Standard for the vast majority. There is no discount on First class fares for those with a Standard entitlement or on Advance fares for anyone. Most TOC staff will have some element of free travel on their own TOC and possibly others by agreement. Safeguarded staff have national free travel benefits on top.What discount do you get as Railway staff?
Of course they can. If revenue want to pick you as an example they can.If you’ve been given permission by the guard to travel on their train free of charge, there’s nothing Revenue can do about it. Admittedly if you’re going to a barriered station explaining this may be easier said than done. It’s a judgement call really.
They probably couldn’t do anything other than report The facts to your employer.
However, the guard who allowed you travel for free could end up in serious trouble.
Despite what some people seem to think, guards to not have the right to give ‘freebies’ to all and sundry. They are allowed discretion in certain circumstances but that doesn’t extend to letting your mates travel for nothing.
I have personal experience of a guard who was disciplined for allowing staff to travel in 1st with no ticket although I don’t know the outcome of the hearing.
If you worked in Sainsbury’s would you be allowed to let ASDA employees shop for free just because they are in the same industry?
Legally there’s no grounds for any enforcement action (PF or prosecution) is what I was referring to. Admittedly that’s different in terms of employment issues.Of course they can. If revenue want to pick you as an example they can.
I don’t want the hassle of losing my priv or a chat with my manager about taking the mick.
I use the priv, happy to use the priv and realise how lucky I am to have the discount compared to my FOC and NR colleagues....
And that employment of your services is what you should be keeping at the forefront of your mind. For the sake of a few quid just keep it legit and head below the parapet. Especially if you’re a driver on 62k which will be you in a couple of years.Legally there’s no grounds for any enforcement action (PF or prosecution) is what I was referring to. Admittedly that’s different in terms of employment issues.