Inconsistent Communication in a Penalty Fare Zone

[whole diary]

[John R]

There's been a lot of discussion over time about people incurrring penalty fares when thinking they can buy a ticket on the train. One of the problems is that FGW^▸ (First Great Western) give out inconsistent messages.

This morning on the 0645 Exeter to Bristol and beyond, the TM^‡(resolve) apologised on the PA^▸ (Public Address) for not being able to sell tickets because he was fully occupied on SDO^▸ (Selective Door Opening) duties (this was between Weston and Bristol). So he advised passengers to buy at the barrier and apologised again for any delays people would have there because of the queues.

But this is in a Penalty Fare Zone (for which signs have been up for around a year now.) So why is he apologising for not been able to sell tickets, when according to FGW he shouldn't have to, as everyone must have bought a ticket before boarding?

The problem is that both regular and irregular passengers will take such messages as meaning that it's ok to buy on the train. Indeed, the fact that day in day out the TM's continue to sell tickets without pointing out to people that they really should have bought before boarding, also sends a message that it's an acceptable practice as far as the railway is concerned.

No wonder people are confused, and complain when they then find themselves at the sharp end of a Revenue Protection Inspector. 

By the way, I've an annual season ticket, so it doesn't affect me, so no vested interest in these comments.

     

[swlines]

If a passenger is unable to buy a ticket from a ticket vending machine or a ticket office, the alternative is to buy a ticket on the train. - of course, if you can't buy a ticket on the train, you have to do it at your end destination. Although penalty fares may be in effect, only an authorised PF^▸ (Penalty Fare) collector can collect penalty fares.

[grahame]

I'm not sure if it's a current page - but according to the Penalty Fare map on the FGW^▸ (First Great Western) site, Tiverton Parkway is NOT part of the penalty fare zone, and Weston Milton, Parson Street and Bedminster are not penalty fare stations.  The 06:45 calls at both Tiverton Parkway and Weston Milton, so I would be within my rights to buy a ticket on the train if I boarded at either of these, wouldn't I?

[swlines]

Correct.

[John R]

But it's confusing (the announcement in question was made after departing Nailsea). And TMs^‡(resolve) routinely sell tickets to passengers for any departure points without a murmur that the passenger has done something wrong by boarding a train without a ticket.

I guess at the moment PFs^▸ (Penalty Fare) do not get imposed on this line, but if/when they do begin to be imposed then FGW^▸ (First Great Western) ought to flag in advance that their practice is about to change.   

[swlines]

Put it this way, TMs^‡(resolve) can't question it as they aren't authorised penalty fare collectors. All they ask for is the fare for the journey that they are making - which is what they're meant to do in these situations!

[gaf71]

I'm not sure if it's a current page - but according to the Penalty Fare map on the FGW^▸ (First Great Western) site, Tiverton Parkway is NOT part of the penalty fare zone, and Weston Milton, Parson Street and Bedminster are not penalty fare stations.  The 06:45 calls at both Tiverton Parkway and Weston Milton, so I would be within my rights to buy a ticket on the train if I boarded at either of these, wouldn't I?

You could board at TVP without a ticket, but should expect to be sold only a SDS, as there are TVM^▸ (Ticket Vending Machine)'s and a ticket office at this station, but you could not be penalty fared. Milton, Parson St and Bedminster are unmanned with no TVM so you can buy any ticket on board.

[vacman]

Penalty fares schemes are clearly indicated at the appropriate stations, most conductors/TM^‡(resolve)'s will sell the full fare ticket on the train and not always tell them that they have "charged them up", wheras if they had purchased prior to boarding then they could have bought a cheaper ticket.

[Conner]

Penalty fares schemes are clearly indicated at the appropriate stations, most conductors/TM^‡(resolve)'s will sell the full fare ticket on the train and not always tell them that they have "charged them up", wheras if they had purchased prior to boarding then they could have bought a cheaper ticket.

That is always what I see.
Especially ATE's, they always issue Standard Day Returns not Cheap ones on the train which is brilliant as it is exactly the point of buying before you board, it is cheaper, if you buy on the train you should be charged more.

[swlines]

Well, in most cases, the fullest possible fare for that journey would be an All Line Rover...

[vacman]

Well, in most cases, the fullest possible fare for that journey would be an All Line Rover...

Don't give me ideas! lol ! since i've seen more revenue staff out and about I feel more inclined to be strict and only issue full fare tickets on trains, it seems as though the persistant non-payers are getting dealt with at last!

[swlines]

Well, in most cases, the fullest possible fare for that journey would be an All Line Rover...

Don't give me ideas! lol ! since i've seen more revenue staff out and about I feel more inclined to be strict and only issue full fare tickets on trains, it seems as though the persistant non-payers are getting dealt with at last!

You can say that again! Since SWT^▸ (South West Trains) have been patrolling there have been far less dodgers.

And don't forget... Secondary Services.... Rover Enquiry.... ALL L......