SWR introduces new Semi Flex Return fares, and other fares changes.

[whole diary]

[JayMac]

SWR^» (South Western Railway - about) have introduced a new fare type for longer distance journeys on their network to and from London Waterloo.

The fare is called a Semi Flex Return and consists of a 'booked train only' outward portion (break of journey prohibited), with the return portion valid for a month at what are nominally Super Off Peak times (break of journey permitted). These fares are available at varying prices with quotas. They are available to purchase up to 2359 on the day before travel. The return portion validity times are (Mon-Fri):

Not valid on trains timed to depart 04:30-10:59. Additionally, not valid on trains timed to depart:

London Waterloo 16:00-19:00
Vauxhall 16:04-19:03
Clapham Junction 16:07-19:08
Not valid on trains time to arrive at London Terminals or Vauxhall 04:30-11:59.

There's no restriction on return travel on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

SWR have also removed Off Peak Day Returns to/from London Waterloo from stations that now have these Semi Flex Returns. Super Off Peak Day Returns remain.

They've also introduced Anytime Open Returns (OR2). Outward valid on day of purchase, return within one month. No time restrictions. Anytime Returns (SOR outward five day validity, return one month) weren't ever available on SWR/SWT^▸ (South West Trains) journeys to/from London Waterloo.

An, example of the new Semi Flex Return:

http://www.brfares.com/#faredetail?orig=TMC&dest=WAT&grpd=1072&rte=442&tkt=XE1

[ChrisB]

SWR^» (South Western Railway - about) have also removed Off Peak Day Returns to/from London Waterloo from stations that now have these Semi Flex Returns. Super Off Peak Day Returns remain.

I don't know what their quotas on the outward are like, but I suspect aimed mainly at Super off-peak times - which seems to create a price rise if you want to arrive just into off-peak and leave just before the peak evening restriction. Please correct ,e if I'm wrong.

Also, are they available starting in London? Although with no return before midday, they aren't much use to me...

[JayMac]

They are available outward from London Waterloo, yes.

[stuving]

What are SWR^» (South Western Railway - about) playing at? I can find nothing on these new fare types on their web site - literally not a word, hint, or news item. The only thing Google can find (outside of this forum and raiforums) is a spokesperson's quote at fare rise time in the Telegraph:

“Alongside freezing our Advance tickets for three years’ running, we’re also simplifying our fares by introducing the Weekender and the Semi-Flex Return to offer customers cheaper and more flexible travel.

So there's another new fare, is there? And simplifying? Who are they kidding (apart from themselves)?

I note a poster on railforums saying that journey planners are still offering the supposedly withdrawn off-peaks fares - so is there a timing issue, e.g. with these new fares in BRFares but not yet launched?

[JayMac]

SWR^» (South Western Railway - about) are also trialling 'Weekender' fares. Currently only available from Guildford to London Waterloo.

They allow an outward journey after 1359 on Fridays (break of journey prohibited) , with the return permitted any time on Saturdays and Sundays, or after 1059 on Mondays (break of journey permitted). Additionally, if the return journey is on a Monday then travel is not permitted from London Waterloo between 1600-1900. If the Monday is a bank holiday then return travel is permitted at any time.

[JayMac]

I note a poster on railforums saying that journey planners are still offering the supposedly withdrawn off-peaks fares - so is there a timing issue, e.g. with these new fares in BRFares but not yet launched?

Said post refers to Off Peak (period) Returns. Its the Off Peak Day Return that has been withdrawn from many SWR^» (South Western Railway - about) stations, either to or from London Waterloo.

The Sem Flex fares are available to purchase now.