Great Western Coffee Shop

Bought a ticket from West Ham underground station today yesterday to Southend. Surprised that it was just the one ticket to be used both out and return instead of the normal two from National Rail stations. Any reason why national rail don't do that?

I did wonder if I could use my Network gold card discount and start from zone 6 instead. Luckily the answer to both was yes and I got a pink ticket instead of the normal orange one.

Because its TfL. No other reason, TfL have to be different. Oh and good luck getting the pink ticket to work any TOC barriers.

Basic fraud prevention.   The idea is that the ticket barriers (or staff) withdraw the OUT portion when it's finished, leaving you with just the RETURN.  For a period return, that prevents re-use of the ticket the next day if the ticket isn't marked or clipped. 

Paul

The Ticket was accepted in the barriers at Southend Central upon arrival and departure. Inserted ticket, picked it up, barrier opened.

Wow, very surprised. Normally gets a 124 error.

West Ham station is on the c2c line though, which is direct to Southend Central and Southend East.

Perhaps if you have taken the Jubilee Line to Stratford and gone to Southend Victoria, you might have got that 124 error. (Personally have never tried. Ladyfriend trout will not allow the Stratford detour from West Ham to use a Class 321 :( and trust me, I have tried ::) )

The ticket machines at West Ham will sell you a ticket to all national rail stations but you will get the LU pink ticket stock. You'll also find the ticket machines there will issue railcard discounts. Good luck getting the Gold Card First Class Upgrade though ::)