Rail Routeing Guide

[whole diary]

[Trowres]

Searches were:
1) BOA to Leeds via Manchester Picc
2) TRO^» (Trowbridge - next trains) to Leeds via Manchester Picc

[JayMac]

Hmm, an interesting one. Needs a bit more investigating and I haven't downloaded the updated Routeing Guide yet.

East Coast's booking engine allows the route TRO^» (Trowbridge - next trains)-LDS via MAN but FGW^▸ (First Great Western)'s doesn't as far as I can see.

What I can see from the existing maps is that Map CM is omitted for journeys to Leeds from Westbury Group, but not from stations associated with Bath Spa, such as Bradford-on-Avon. Map CM covers the part of the route from Birmingham to Manchester.

I'll consult others more expert in routeing to find out what's going on.

[JayMac]

Well it would appear to be an error in the routeing guide and its implementation by NRE^▸ (National Rail Enquiries) and trainline based booking engines. Or WebTIS is making the error by offering fares on an invalid route. I've emailed ATOC^» (Association of Train Operating Companies see - here) to get their opinion!

If you want to buy the TRO^» (Trowbridge - next trains)-LDS via MAN ticket then your best bet is to do so through a WebTIS based booking engine, such as East Coast or London Midland. However despite the routeing error you are still probably better off buying split tickets, say an advance to MAN then a walk up fare between MAN and LDS

[Trowres]

Thanks for your investigations, BNM. I'll be interested in ATOC^» (Association of Train Operating Companies see - here)'s response.

One day I hope to find time to understand the routeing guide myself!

[Fish]

Can anyone advise the following regarding the fare from Manchester Piccadilly to Reading?

The Anytime Return fare via London using Virgin WC^▸ (Wiltshire Council (Unitary Authority)) and FGW^▸ (First Great Western) is ^306 whilst it is ^128 if taking a journey direct with XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)).  These fares are clear on which services you can use on the journey planner. 

Given that the Manchester to London terminals is ^262 and the London to Reading is ^34.30, it seems an expensive cross London addition at ^4.85 each way, but we can put that to one side at the moment.

My point is this: The XC fare of ^128 specifies "Any permitted route" and reference to the Rail Routing Guide Yellow pages (page 618) clearly states that LONDON is a permitted route.

I have previously been told this route is not valid via London because the Maltese Cross is NOT shown on the ticket.  However, the Instructions for Use of the Routing Guide (Section A, Step 6, Page 4) states:
"In some instances (particularly long distance cross country journeys) the Manual will show an "any permitted" fare but without the via London, Maltese cross symbol. Reference to Section C (the ^yellow pages^) may show via London to be a permitted route for this journey and in such instances travel via London to include cross-London transfer would be permitted."

Thus, it would appear that the ^128 fare should be valid via London and include the cross-London transfer.  But all staff I have come across would fall back on their training to say that the Maltese Cross not being on the ticket would not allow that.  Obviously XC set the fare and get the revenue - a double whammy for Virgin who would not be happy if all their Manchester to London punters stopped paying ^262 and started buying a ticket to Reading for ^128! 

I personally make the journey frequently and usually go via XC directly as the timings are not much different to that via London; however, London affords more flexibility.  On the one occasion I travelled via London, the Virgin Train Manager did not comment at the ticket, suggesting he either did not notice the route/fare, or he was well aware of the situation and chose not to comment, despite my clutching the photocopy of the Routing guide in preparedness.  I decided not to try using the ticket in the machines on the Underground, and used my Oystercard!!!

I have not contacted ATOC^» (Association of Train Operating Companies see - here) in case the easement is introduced as a "hardening" and am happy to keep the flexibility available.  However, at some time I may have a battle on my hands.  Are there any other examples similar to this?

[JayMac]

A further saving to be had across the fare types if you purchase Manchester Piccadilly - Oxford. Also route permitted via London. The Anytime Return is ^122.

[Brucey]

This wonderful document has again been updated on 5th April 2011.

I wish there would be some email reminder/publication when it changes, as I keep copies stored offline for ease of use.