ORR Consults on Code of Practice on ticket information

[whole diary]

[ChrisB]

From an ORR^» (Office of Rail and Road formerly Office of Rail Regulation - about) email -

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) is seeking views from retailers of train tickets and passenger and consumer groups to help inform the development of a Code of Practice on ticket information.

The Code, which will be in place by early 2015, will provide clarity on what information passengers need to buy and use tickets, including information on the different types of fares, any restrictions that apply, and key terms and conditions, such as compensation and refund rights.

ORR wants to ensure that passengers are provided with the information they need to get the most appropriate ticket for their journey and travel with confidence.

To know more about participating in the consultation, visit: http://orr.gov.uk/consultations/policy-consultations/open-consultations/code-of-practice-on-retail-information-consultation-on-developing-a-code

[eightf48544]

My view is that it's going to take more than consultatuion to fix the fares problem as basically the current system is "not fit for purpose" .

How can you ahve a systems which throws up multiple fares for journey then adds 4000 or so restrictions on those fares. It far beyond anyone to fully comprehend, with no disrespect to bignosemac and Brry Doe.

I'm sure most TOCs^▸ (Train Operating Company) don't understand all the wrinkles in their fares policy. Look at Northern just adding a total peak fares regime but only on journies where they set the fares.

Look at the success of Oyster^▸ (Smartcard system used by passengers on Transport for London services) provided you tap in and out you know the maximum you are going to pay and as that guy that defrauded hundreds of thousands discovered you only pay a resonable maximum even if you don't tap out.

It's time we learnt you can't price rail like air there are too many combinations and permutaions, After all most planes only serve one perhaps two destinations. A stopping train  from Padd to Reading serves 12 stations and that's mising out Acton, West Ealing and Hanwell.

[JayMac]

How can you ahve a systems which throws up multiple fares for journey then adds 4000 or so restrictions on those fares. It far beyond anyone to fully comprehend, with no disrespect to bignosemac and Brry Doe.

No offence taken. The fares system still stymies me on a fairly regular basis.

[ellendune]

From the Ticketing and Settlement Agreement (TSA^▸ (Ticketing and Settlement Agreement.)) in the consultation

Rights and Restrictions
^ When selling a ticket, a train company (other than at a self-service TVM^▸ (Ticket Vending Machine)) must take reasonable steps
to ensure that the passenger is aware, before the sale takes place, of the rights and restrictions that
apply to that ticket. In addition, it must not say or do anything which is inconsistent with those rights
and restrictions, the National Rail Conditions of Carriage and/or any other conditions which apply.

I know this goes beyond the Code of Practice but if companies are pushing more an more people towards TVMs shouldn't this exemption be removed?