Validity Question: Garforth to Milton Keynes

[DarloRich]

I often travel from Garforth (Leeds "group" station?) to Milton Keynes on a Sunday. At present because of TRU works this can often involve busy trains and changing at Leeds, Victoria and then a Tram to Piccadilly. There are trains from Garforth to Preston/Blackpool that offer me a one change journey on quieter trains.

Is a standard Garforth > Milton Keynes open ticket valid via that route? I don't think it is but don't understand why I think this! Can anyone explain?

 

[jfollows]

No, not valid via Preston.

Garforth is a member of the Leeds routeing group, so the valid routes Leeds-Milton Keynes are

• MN + MA
• XL + EB
• LONDON

in the routeing guide.

The first is Manchester via Rochdale or Huddersfield, then all the normal WCML routes
The second is Sheffield/Derby/Birmingham with the option of Leicester/Nuneaton, then in both cases WCML (but not Tamworth on the WCML portion)

Maps at https://data.atoc.org/routeing-maps

PS the "standard" open return is not "any permitted" but "NOT VIA LONDON" so rules out routes via London with it. But LNER has singles routed "+ANY PERMITTED" which would enable going through London.

 

[DarloRich]

No, not valid via Preston.

thanks - seems odd considering there is a direct train but such is life. One might think it would sensible during TRU to take the load of the TPE trains.

PS the "standard" open return is not "any permitted" but "NOT VIA LONDON" so rules out routes via London with it.

correct - "not via London"

 

[Mcr Warrior]

thanks - seems odd considering there is a direct train but such is life.

'Via Preston' wouldn't ever be a direct train for a Garforth to Milton Keynes Central journey, would it?

You'd still need that change at Preston!

 

[DarloRich]

'Via Preston' wouldn't ever be a direct train for a Garforth to Milton Keynes Central journey, would it?

You'd still need that change at Preston!

correct - I meant a direct train to Preston ( and one change home)

 

[Watershed]

'Via Preston' wouldn't ever be a direct train for a Garforth to Milton Keynes Central journey, would it?

You'd still need that change at Preston!

I think the point being made is that it involves just one change, whereas (during TRU works) the journey would otherwise involve several changes.

Even in the absence of TRU works I think it would still be reasonable for this to be a permitted route, as it's not like it undercuts the fares to Preston.

Unfortunately, I'm sure @DarloRich is well aware of the poor planning, lack of customer focus and complete absence of joined-up thinking that's prevalent in the industry, which leads to poor outcomes like this.

 

[DarloRich]

BTW - is there a ticket that includes a "maltase cross" to allow use of the metrolink tram as part of a through journey?

Unfortunately, I'm sure @DarloRich is well aware of the poor planning, lack of customer focus and complete absence of joined-up thinking that's
prevalent in the industry, which leads to poor outcomes like this.

Agreed!

I raised the question as a guard on the Northern train from Garforth told me I could stay on all the way to Preston and get home with one change! It didn't seem right to me so I got off at Leeds. Glad I did!

I know i could have used that statement as permission to travel but it didn't seem robust enough for the full journey.

 

[Haywain]

is there a ticket that includes a "maltase cross" to allow use of the metrolink tram as part of a through journey?

No, but you can use contactless on the tram.

 

[DarloRich]

No, but you can use contactless on the tram.

thanks - that is my usual approach.

 

[jfollows]

No, but you can use contactless on the tram.

I used it recently and it works well, you can get a statement the following day if you want it too by entering card details. Need to tap out, unlike London tram.
EDIT I normally walk, but tram is only generally included on tickets inside Greater Manchester, so Wilmslow doesn’t get it but Cheadle Hulme to Bolton (say) would.

 

[Haywain]

I used it recently and it works well,

As an occasional visitor to the area it's hugely better than faffing around with the ticket machines!

 

[Mcr Warrior]

BTW - is there a ticket that includes a "maltase cross" to allow use of the metrolink tram as part of a through journey?

You might well see "Route METROLINK CTLZ" on a rail ticket issued for a trip wholly within Greater Manchester, for example, a journey from the North side to the South side, such as Littleborough to Hazel Grove.