Super Off Peak returns Bracknell/Reading to Plymouth

[whole diary]

[bobm]

Trying to sort out a journey from Bracknell to Plymouth for this Sunday (1st April) returning the following Saturday (7th April).

Looking on line I can find a Super Off peak return for ^76 from Bracknell for the 11:42 and 12:42 which involve a change at Reading and Bristol Parkway (to say nothing of a XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) Voyager!).  However for the direct services from Reading (connecting out of Bracknell's 11:19 and 12:19) I cannot get any form of return ticket.  The strange thing is I can get a ^72 off peak return from Reading for the same trains.  I assume the only thing I can do is buy two sets of tickets - Bracknell to Reading and Reading to Plymouth?  I know the trains are being diverted due to engineering work but I can't see that being a reason.

[paul7575]

NREs^‡(resolve) is currently showing me the ^76 fare on all the services you mention, but only if you click on the 'returns from' tab above the fares info.  The direct trains from Reading seem to have Advance fares available that can bring the return fare down to ^68 - which will be why it is offering the ^68 fare (two singles) initially?

Doesn't explain why FGW^▸ (First Great Western) don't find it when you transfer through for purchase though...

Paul

[RichardB]

I've just checked the Fares Manual - the ^76.00 Super Off-Peak Return Bracknell - Plymouth is simply shown as not via London, so, of course, would be valid on the Westbury route.

Have no idea why it is not showing up that way on NRES^▸ (National Rail Enquiry Service).

[paul7575]

I explained earlier that it IS showing up on NREs^‡(resolve) - if you select 'returns'.  IIRC^▸ (if I recall/remember/read correctly) this is the normal way the NREs planner operates, rightly or wrongly. 

It is when trying to transfer the selection to the FGW^▸ (First Great Western) site to buy it they say it isn't available.

Paul

[JayMac]

The ^76 Super Off Peak Return is showing on both thetrainline and WebTIS based booking engines. The fare is valid via Bristol or Berks & Hants (or Melksham on a diversion!).

Unsure what the OPs^▸ (Original Poster / topic starter) problem was as NRE^‡(resolve) shows the fare as well for the 1019 and 1119 departures from Bracknell. 

[bobm]

Unsure what the OPs^▸ (Original Poster / topic starter) problem was as NRE^‡(resolve) shows the fare as well for the 1019 and 1119 departures from Bracknell. 

The FGW^▸ (First Great Western) website (and the iPhone app) weren't and still aren't.   

[JayMac]

My apologies, I saw the fare and didn't look at the available trains. 

You are right. thetrainline based booking engines aren't showing the SSR as valid on the services via the Berks & Hants.

An error obviously. My suggestion, book via a WebTIS based booking engine or at a station. Oh, and let FGW^▸ (First Great Western) know that you can't buy the ticket through their website.

Or, if seat reservations aren't important, book via FGW choosing available services and just travel on the 1019 or 1119. The SSR is perfectly valid on those trains.

[bobm]

if seat reservations aren't important, book via FGW^▸ (First Great Western) choosing available services and just travel on the 1019 or 1119. The SSR is perfectly valid on those trains.

Thanks - think that is what I will do.  I'm booking for someone else - they can fight for a seat! 

[JayMac]

You could just book via WebTIS, (redspottedhanky, East Coast, London Midland....) and bag your friend a seat, if one is still available for this Sunday of course! (Just checked, dummy booking gave me a reservation from Reading for the 1105 to Plymouth on a journey starting 1019 ex Bracknell)

Don't forget to tell them about Weekend First on FGW^▸ (First Great Western) as well!

[bobm]

Suppose it might be the prod I need to register with Redspottedhanky.  It is a bit like bank accounts - you stay with the one yoy are with because it is too much of a faff to register elsewhere.  Forgot about Weekend First.  Ta!