GroupSave - discussion of apparent anomalies

[whole diary]

[Trowres]

...  So for those savers valid at anytime they were renamed anytime.  Saver tickets which had a restriction on them as to time of travel were renamed off peak.

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!

[Trowres]

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^» (Association of Train Operating Companies See - here) (the scheme's administrator) and various train operating companies. Also included are three non-standard schemes operated by East Coast, ATW^▸ (Arriva Trains Wales (former TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company))) and Scotrail (and more seem to be appearing).

See 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!