'Valid only for travel on Thameslink services' Query

[Greenplanet31]

Hello everyone,

I've been reading previous threads but have not seen anything on this topic from recent times but apologies if it has come up, I must've missed it.

I commute from Three Bridges -> Victoria -> Tube to Hammersmith.
I have always bought 'Zone 1-6 travel card - any permitted route' tickets as I always travel on Southern branded trains but I was wondering if I can I buy 'Zone 1-6 travel card - Valid only for travel on Thameslink services'?

From reading previous posts it suggested the following...
You can do it legally (due to all the companies being under the GTR umbrella) but ticket inspectors may give you a hard time due to lack of understanding or even fine? (Something I would obviously rather avoid)
One post even suggested that there was an ongoing legal issue regarding this matter - I couldn't find an outcome to this if anyone has any updates that would be great.

Obviously a cheaper ticket would be nice but I just want to gain more understanding on the whole topic and make sure I'm doing the correct thing.

Thanks for any help in advance.

 

[30907]

Hello everyone,

I've been reading previous threads but have not seen anything on this topic from recent times but apologies if it has come up, I must've missed it.

I commute from Three Bridges -> Victoria -> Tube to Hammersmith.
I have always bought 'Zone 1-6 travel card - any permitted route' tickets as I always travel on Southern branded trains but I was wondering if I can I buy 'Zone 1-6 travel card - Valid only for travel on Thameslink services'?

From reading previous posts it suggested the following...
You can do it legally (due to all the companies being under the GTR umbrella) but ticket inspectors may give you a hard time due to lack of understanding or even fine? (Something I would obviously rather avoid)
One post even suggested that there was an ongoing legal issue regarding this matter - I couldn't find an outcome to this if anyone has any updates that would be great.

Obviously a cheaper ticket would be nice but I just want to gain more understanding on the whole topic and make sure I'm doing the correct thing.

Thanks for any help in advance.

Welcome aboard!

Once you are inside Zone 6 you can use any train, so the "Thameslink Only" bit would only apply as far as East Croydon.

As you say, you might have hassle using a GTR Southern train (which anything direct to Victoria would be!) and especially changing onto a GTR Gatwick Express.

 

[Jan Mayen]

There is an ongoing legal dispute. I assume that as its ongoing, GTR/DfT are going to fight it.

 

[Joe Paxton]

If the OP wants a hassle-free life, the easiest thing is to go along with the 'Thameslink only' brand restriction (outside of the London zones).

 

[JonathanH]

If the OP wants a hassle-free life, the easiest thing is to go along with the 'Thameslink only' brand restriction (outside of the London zones).

Travelling from Three Bridges to East Croydon on a Thameslink branded train, then stepping back one train to get a Southern branded service into Victoria is not really a hardship for a cheaper fare.

 

[Joe Paxton]

Travelling from Three Bridges to East Croydon on a Thameslink branded train, then stepping back one train to get a Southern branded service into Victoria is not really a hardship for a cheaper fare.

Agreed.

 

[Greenplanet31]

Thank you everyone for you replies, will be interesting to see the outcome of the ongoing legal dispute.

I think for now, I'll stick to what i'm doing to be on the safe side.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Travelling from Three Bridges to East Croydon on a Thameslink branded train, then stepping back one train to get a Southern branded service into Victoria is not really a hardship for a cheaper fare.

What magnitude of savings are we looking at?

£108.40 per week against £141.30?

 

[maniacmartin]

I’d just like to point out that it is not certain that the legal case will succeed. Unless you want a load of hassle, don’t present a Thameslink only Travelcard ticket south of East Croydon.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Unless you want a load of hassle, don’t present a Thameslink only Travelcard ticket south of East Croydon.

Nothing wrong with that if on a Thameslink train!

 

[Somewhere]

I’d just like to point out that it is not certain that the legal case will succeed. Unless you want a load of hassle, don’t present a Thameslink only Travelcard ticket south of East Croydon.

Or south of Coulsdon South

 

[MrJeeves]

My personal experience has always been "I'll let you off this time" or just absolutely nothing said at all.

But if you're not willing to take the risk, as others have said, just using Thameslink to East Croydon before changing to Southern isn't a terrible journey.

 

[redreni]

Keep your receipts!

 

[yorkie]

Hello everyone,

I've been reading previous threads but have not seen anything on this topic from recent times but apologies if it has come up, I must've missed it.

I commute from Three Bridges -> Victoria -> Tube to Hammersmith.
I have always bought 'Zone 1-6 travel card - any permitted route' tickets as I always travel on Southern branded trains but I was wondering if I can I buy 'Zone 1-6 travel card - Valid only for travel on Thameslink services'?

Legally/contractually, it's valid on all services operated by Govia Thameslink between Three Bridges and the boundary of Zone 6, and any operator in Zones 1-6.

In the erroneous opinion of GTR, it's valid on the services they operate which are branded Thameslink between Three Bridges and the boundary of Zone 6, and any operator, including any of their own brands, within Zones 1-6.

From reading previous posts it suggested the following...
You can do it legally (due to all the companies being under the GTR umbrella)

GTR want people to think there are 4 companies under one "umbrella"; it is in fact just one company.

but ticket inspectors may give you a hard time due to lack of understanding or even fine? (Something I would obviously rather avoid)

In the past, they would issue a penalty fare, new ticket, supplement or excess fare, depending on the ticket held and journey made and whether they were an authorised collector or not (etc).

However since the legal matter has been ongoing, they tend to "let people off" or simply turn a blind eye to the company's official position; funny that, isn't it?

One post even suggested that there was an ongoing legal issue regarding this matter - I couldn't find an outcome to this if anyone has any updates that would be great.

Obviously a cheaper ticket would be nice but I just want to gain more understanding on the whole topic and make sure I'm doing the correct thing.

Thanks for any help in advance.

If I were you I'd get the Thameslink Only ticket, use it on any brand you want. If you are charged extra, pay it under duress and contact us for advice. Keep all tickets and receipts which could be evidence of overcharging.