Great Western Coffee Shop

This sounds logical, but the process wasn't consistent. The "off-peak" fares I quoted in the above examples carry the "valid on any train" restriction.

There are two consequences of this to trap the unwary:-
a) The so-called off peak tickets, although valid on any train, can't be used for break of outward journey (while the "anytime" can).
b) Groupsave may not be available where only an "anytime" is provided. I say "may" because the stated terms of Groupsave vary from operator to operator, and **SOME** booking engines recognise that GS anytime tickets can be provided where there is no off-peak ticket. The whole thing is a mess!

Continuing with my point above about the inconsistent application of Groupsave conditions, I have compiled (with some help) a list of the Groupsave principles and regulations as published online by ATOC (the scheme's administrator) and various train operating companies. Also included are three non-standard schemes operated by East Coast, ATW and Scotrail (and more seem to be appearing).

See http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/groupgripe.pdf (http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/groupgripe.pdf)

Bearing in mind that GS tickets involving travel with more than one TOC can be purchased, the variation in published conditions is a little scary. A little playing with nationalrail.co.uk or one of the TOC booking sites will show that the online systems don't always agree with the published T&Cs. Happy exploring!