Spectacular FGW Blunder on Payments for Tickets

[whole diary]

[thetrout]

Words just fail me... How should FGW^▸ (First Great Western) be paid for travel if I cannot use money from my Bank Account?

[LiskeardRich]

Does it accept beans, or golden coins?

[Alan Pettitt]

Perhaps it only issues Unpaid Fare Notices 

[ChrisB]

oh dear - where is this? Someone doesn't understand trhe difference between 'cash' & 'money'

[BerkshireBugsy]

I wonder if this notice was written by the same person who did the Easter service alterations for 2015?

[thetrout]

oh dear - where is this? Someone doesn't understand trhe difference between 'cash' & 'money'

Frome. But my photographic memory is strongly suggesting this is not an isolated sign. So I will have to get back to you on where else I've seen it :\

FGW^▸ (First Great Western) are also aware of this...

https://twitter.com/radioactivshark/status/564888674513739776

Their response was somewhat flippant after I tried to make a joke. So that is perhaps my own fault. But nevertheless it is still factually incorrect.

[thetrout]

Also just to add. This could actually be a rather serious issue considering it's Frome Station.

Frome has 2 specialist schools for those with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome. A Primary Age School and a Sixth Form College. A big 'symptom' of Autistic Spectrum Disorder is taking things far too literally.

Here is a classic example: I first heard the phrase "Pull your socks up" when I was 12 and had just started Secondary School. Consequently I did just that. Reached down and pulled my socks up. I was shouted at for 5 minutes for being disrespectful. Then asked if I understood what I had done wrong. I replied: "I did as you asked so why are you shouting at me?!" Teacher still thought I was being cheeky. So I was told to step outside. This landed me in the head teachers office as I went and stood outside in the rain for nearly 30 minutes..........

So where am I going with this?

Well if someone with an ASD reads and misinterprets that sign... Which considering the 2 specialist schools in Frome. That probability stands a much higher chance. I'd hate to think of the treatment they could receive from an RPI^▸ (Revenue Protection Inspector (or Retail Price Index, depending on the context)) or Conductor/Train Manager who rejects that misinterpretation and they themselves mistake the passenger for a deliberate attempt to avoid payment of their fare.

Bottom line... That notice probably couldn't be placed in a worse location and needs changing VERY urgently.

Of course I am sure the schools would intervene with the rail operator and the case would be dropped on vulnerability grounds. But for the young person that would be an extremely worrying time. Of course that is merely speculation on my part. But I remain unconvinced that the sign should just be left as is.

[Super Guard]

Is it not just a Frome office printed sign that could be re-printed with the correct word?

[ChrisB]

Also, the first sentence is very clear. Accepts card payments only. That would also be taken as literally, surely?

[thetrout]

Also, the first sentence is very clear. Accepts card payments only. That would also be taken as literally, surely?

Which then contradicts itself... I personally know what the sign means, but I've been taught how to see around some of these sorts of errors. An example by a Store Detective. "You've been seen acting oddly in the store this evening. Would you like to follow me please?" Which I thought was a question. It was actually an instruction. Consequently my answer of "No thank you, I'd like to catch my train home" was not the most ideal error to make.

In truth I cannot answer how that would go down for someone with moderate - severe ASD. On the one hand the sign clearly states no cash payment. I agree. But then no money payment. I think that second one would be the ultimate pincher. It's not out of the question that a young person may think that means a Railcard if they've never come across one.

Is it not just a Frome office printed sign that could be re-printed with the correct word?

Frome. But my photographic memory is strongly suggesting this is not an isolated sign. So I will have to get back to you on where else I've seen it :\

I think I saw the second one at Filton Abbey Wood. A second sign of the same wording exists. Of that I'm sure. The location just isn't with me at the moment 

I didn't really want to make a mountain range from a couple of molehills. But it was a thought that hit me last night and had me thinking... Oh... That's not good.

[Andrew1939 from West Oxon]

The single ticket vending machine at Hanborough has not accepted coin or note payments for several years after it been raided and damaged. Unfortunately assuming everyone has a card to pay, and this is not always the case, the machine often will not accept particular cards in payment or some people's finger touch. As a result some people board the train without a ticket thus breaking the rules.Fortunately all the Cotswold Line conductors I know are very aware of this problem and just sell you the ticket you want without question. However problems arise nearer to London when the conductor may not have been around to sell you a ticket and you leave the train at, say, Reading. I have been questioned as to why I have not had a ticket by the barrier staff at Reading and as mentioned in another thread, treated as a potential deliberate non-payer with that look that I must be a criminal.