Massive Increases to Off Peak fares.

[whole diary]

[JayMac]

I've done some detective work and it appears that Off Peak fares across FGW^▸ (First Great Western) are increasing in September. FGW appear to have circumvented the regulated fares rules by introducing a Super Off Peak product. Super Off Peaks are being priced at the current Off Peak fare, allowing Off Peaks to be increased massively. The one piece of good news (!) is that Off Peak singles are being introduced at half the return fare instead of the current ^1 or so less. Here are some examples of the new fares:-

Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington: Off Peak Return currently ^49, raises to ^59.
Exeter St Davids to Reading: ^54 to ^66
Redruth to London Paddington ^83 to ^100.

The Super Off Peaks are far more restrictive than the Off Peaks, for example Redruth to Paddington the first train you can catch is the 1029 up, and returning is only permitted on the 1206, 1406 or 1903.

[devon_metro]

I thought we had already confirmed this??

[JayMac]

I thought we had already confirmed this??

Maybe you had, Mr Flippant, but I never take things like this as read until I can independently confirm it. Someone on a forum saying 'It's going to happen' is not good enough for me. Did you know that the world is ending tomorrow?

[Henry]

 I thought there was some agenda earlier this year to make Rail fares easier to understand.

 

[Phil]

 I thought there was some agenda earlier this year to make Rail fares easier to understand.

 

I believe you may have missed the word "appear" when you read that announcement in the media, my friend...

There was an agenda earlier this year to make Rail fares appear easier to understand. Classic governmental spin.

[Timmer]

I just hope FGW^▸ (First Great Western) well publicise this change to educate the public that travel restrictions for off peak fares are changing from September with a new ticket now available. Just been on the OJP^▸ (Online Journey Planner) for fares from Bristol to London and now their are even more fares to choose from 

The good news is the new off peak fare is valid on the 08.30 ex Bristol previously being the 09.00, with super off peak valid on the 10.00. The bad news is the last train you can use a super off peak single/return in the afternoon to Bristol is 14.30!!! ouch! After that its off peak only until the 16.30. Super off peak becomes available on the 19.00, off peak 18.30.

[devon_metro]

Why is the 1000 super off peak. It wedges out normally!

[slippy]

I thought we had already confirmed this??

It has been confirmed already, some people are retarded..........

[JayMac]

I thought we had already confirmed this??

It has been confirmed already, some people are retarded..........

Confirmed to FGW^▸ (First Great Western) staff maybe, and those 'in the know'. Any public announcement? Anything on the FGW website? Anything on stations? Hell, it's only the passengers who are going to be paying these increased fares. It's only passengers who are going to be caught out by changes in ticket validity. But after all, it's only the passengers, so f**k 'em.

[Chris from Nailsea]

I do share your concerns over the way these fare increases seem to have been 'smuggled in', bignosemac - and thanks for your restraint in using '**' in your post! 

Interestingly, I have been approached personally by certain staff, who are just as indignant about what is being done here. While my role as an administrator on this forum is not perhaps as all-powerful as some might think, I'll certainly do my best to raise this issue with the decision-makers at FGW^▸ (First Great Western).

C. 

[Timmer]

Lets hope FGW^▸ (First Great Western) do publicise these changes properly over the next few weeks and not shroud them in spin. Because of changes to availability of what services you can use existing off peak fares on (now super off peak fares) and the New off peak fares some straight explanation will be needed.

To sweeten the pill somewhat, I'm sure the 10% discount for booking online and half price off peak singles will be shouted from the rooftops at the same time so its not all bad news.

[Henry]

  I think the offset of ticket validity vs. Discount on-line booking still means FGW^▸ (First Great Western) are going are going to increase profit.

 If people are flexible when they travel and book on-line, they can still get a good deal.

 I fear FGW will follow SWT^▸ (South West Trains) though, with regard to shorter ticket office hours - not everyone can book on-line.
 The reliability of TVM^▸ (Ticket Vending Machine) is another issue FGW must address.

 Cart before Horse sometimes springs to mind.

[JayMac]

 Cart before Horse sometimes springs to mind.

Bearing in mind the subject matter on this forum perhaps an updating of the phrase is warranted. "Carriage before Loco....." Can't think of one to include multiple units though......