Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2006 15:42:43 GMT
Am I the only person who thinks that many of the old-style pushbutton ticket machines ought to be removed and replaced with the big multifare machines or additional card-only machines?
In some stations the machines stand empty and unused while big lines show up at the ticket office or the multifare/card machines.
|
|
Ben
fotopic... whats that?
Posts: 4,282
|
Post by Ben on Oct 18, 2006 16:56:50 GMT
Is this the '10fare' machines? I find it very funny that they now only sell 5 different types of tickets:P
Whatever happened to those big ticket machines with the hundreds of buttons? I hope somebody has preserved one!
|
|
|
Post by c5 on Oct 18, 2006 20:21:44 GMT
There is a new Prestige Ticket machine arriving soon to replace the FewFare machine (can't remember its name at the minute). It will be have a touch screen and accept cards and cash and be Oyster enabled.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2006 21:10:28 GMT
There is a new Prestige Ticket machine arriving soon to replace the FewFare machine (can't remember its name at the minute). It will be have a touch screen and accept cards and cash and be Oyster enabled. It's called a AFM. It looks similar to the queue-busters (so I'm told) and it will take cash but wont give change. If I remember, there is an old multi fare still at LU's training school AND doesn't Walford East have one?
|
|
|
Post by c5 on Oct 18, 2006 21:21:59 GMT
There is a new Prestige Ticket machine arriving soon to replace the FewFare machine (can't remember its name at the minute). It will be have a touch screen and accept cards and cash and be Oyster enabled. It's called a AFM. It looks similar to the queue-busters (so I'm told) and it will take cash but wont give change. If I remember, there is an old multi fare still at LU's training school AND doesn't Walford East have one? They do look very similar to a QueueBuster with the Oyster Reader at waist height. Saw a picture of it at a Time To Talk event..... also the new station on the Hammermith and City Line is to be called Wood Lane with the current Shepherd's Bush to be renamed at the same time/afterwards at SB Market.
|
|
Ben
fotopic... whats that?
Posts: 4,282
|
Post by Ben on Oct 26, 2006 13:55:22 GMT
Hang on, it wont give change? Theyre replacing a machene that gives change with one that doesnt? On top of banning paper tickets and doing away with staffed ticket offices... If thats what LUL consider a world class service for a world class city then I'm staying in Canada. Someone in management either hates people or needs committing.
|
|
|
Post by Tomcakes on Oct 26, 2006 14:36:35 GMT
There is a new Prestige Ticket machine arriving soon to replace the FewFare machine (can't remember its name at the minute). It will be have a touch screen and accept cards and cash and be Oyster enabled. It's called a AFM. It looks similar to the queue-busters (so I'm told) and it will take cash but wont give change. If I remember, there is an old multi fare still at LU's training school AND doesn't Walford East have one? What does LU suggest we do when arriving at the station without change and the ticket office is closed because they've cut down on staff? Give them extra money because they don't want to employ the staff to fill the machines with change?
|
|
|
Post by donnytom on Oct 29, 2006 10:58:44 GMT
The ticket machines on First York's new £300k "FTR" buses do not give change either- though they're usually broken anyway so tickets are dispensed by a conductor (!) with a hand-wound ancient ticket machine...That's progress!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2006 11:53:46 GMT
so tickets are dispensed by a conductor (!) with a hand-wound ancient ticket machine...That's progress! Cool They could bring back some YDX class Lodekkas as well! Bloody First Group and bloody FTR
|
|
|
Post by donnytom on Oct 29, 2006 12:02:29 GMT
so tickets are dispensed by a conductor (!) with a hand-wound ancient ticket machine...That's progress! Cool They could bring back some YDX class Lodekkas as well! Bloody First Group and bloody FTR ;D Yup! Now they're going to inflict FTR on Leeds too, though it might be more suitable there. Despite the original B7-based FTR chassis seeming to be too underpowered for such a fat body; possibly the new B9/Streetcar will be more suitable. They can call it a "trackless tram" and have "pilots" instead of drivers all they like, but it's still, err, a BUS!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2006 18:43:19 GMT
It's called a AFM. It looks similar to the queue-busters (so I'm told) and it will take cash but wont give change. If I remember, there is an old multi fare still at LU's training school AND doesn't Walford East have one? What does LU suggest we do when arriving at the station without change and the ticket office is closed because they've cut down on staff? Give them extra money because they don't want to employ the staff to fill the machines with change? Because everyone has Oyster cards - and don't mind topping up their cards by whatever money they have. Just imagine how fun it will be IF , or rather when, LU introduce a minimum top-up at the ticket office,
|
|
|
Post by Tomcakes on Oct 29, 2006 20:30:43 GMT
Ah - "comply with our policy, Or Else".
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 29, 2006 21:18:28 GMT
Ah - "comply with our policy, Or Else". Now you understand LU policy In seriousness, we have a big blue folder, which Colin would remember, called the ticket office procedures handbook. While not boring you with it's 1000 odd page entries, but the book has quotes like "The customer must" and "Staff must". So if a customer comes to a station with a closed ticket office they must purchase a single magnetic ticket, if they are unable to purchase pay-as-you-go.
|
|
Chris M
Global Moderator
Forum Quizmaster
Always happy to receive quiz ideas and pictures by email or PM
Posts: 19,440
Member is Online
|
Post by Chris M on Oct 29, 2006 22:22:57 GMT
So if a customer comes to a station with a closed ticket office they must purchase a single magnetic ticket, if they are unable to purchase pay-as-you-go. If there are only machines that are not giving change at the starting station, and the customer is travelling to a station in the same zone off-peak (£2:20 ish paper fare ticket I think, but I'm likely wrong) and only have a £20 note on them, would the station staff insist on the customer buying a paper ticket or would they be allowed the discretion to allow the customer to buy a ticket at their destination station? Would station staff be able to advise where they could likely get change within walking distance of the starting station?
|
|
Colin
Advisor
My preserved fire engine!
Posts: 11,317
|
Post by Colin on Oct 30, 2006 8:44:47 GMT
Arghh yes.....the big blue book such fond memories........ Anyway, to answer your question ChrisM, IIRC the big blue book has the answer for this very situation - the station supervisor can issue an "inability to pay fare" form. This gives the customer authority to travel for a single journey. The fare can then be paid at any open LUL ticket office using the form. Failure to pay the fare, in theory at least, will result in further action being taken to recover the fare (I dunno if this has ever actually been enforced though). However - in the real world, let's be honest, the station supervisor doesn't want the hassle.....and neither will any ticket office that has to deal with the form. So common sense normally prevails - the customer will either be politely requested to obtain some change from elsewhere or allowed to pay at their destination. Incidentally, we often talk of customers being given the option of paying at their destination - more often than not, the two stations concerned will actually talk to each other. This can save 'embarrassment' for the customer and the station staff. Just so you know
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 30, 2006 9:03:55 GMT
Arghh yes.....the big blue book such fond memories........ Anyway, to answer your question ChrisM, IIRC the big blue book has the answer for this very situation - the station supervisor can issue an "inability to pay fare" form. This gives the customer authority to travel for a single journey. The fare can then be paid at any open LUL ticket office using the form. Failure to pay the fare, in theory at least, will result in further action being taken to recover the fare (I dunno if this has ever actually been enforced though). No they don't! I once got in trouble for issuing an INAB form in a similar circumstances to described above. A RCM (revenue Control Manager) took great exception to the fact that I incorrectly issued the form and recommended to my Duty Manager that I should be re-trained. I explained to my DSM that I would be more than happy to have 3 weeks training and the RCM should get a life. The only circumstances on which an INAB form can be issued are a child with no money OR a victim of a crime WITH a valid crime reference number. To answer Chris M's question: If a customer is unable to top-up their prepay then they must purchase a paper ticket - in this example a £3 ticket rather than a £1. IF there are problems with the machines, a station supervisor is authorised to permit someone to pay at their destination. However if you follow the rules to the letter, turning up a station with a £20 note and wanting to put only £1 onto your Oyster is not a valid reason to pay at your destination. Same applies if your Oyster card stops working. You MAY have an annual Z1-6 on the Oyster. You may have a record card, receipt and a letter from the queen confirming this BUT you must complete a failed Oyster card form and queue to get a replacement. Regardless if you're on your way to work/ interview/ exam. IF the ticket office is closed, you must purchase a magnetic ticket and claim the cost back. Most station staff take the sensible approach to customers circumstances, however virtually everyone has a story like mine, when you tried to help a customer and you end up risking some sort of disciplinary process for doing so, so many staff simply follow what the rules state.
|
|
|
Post by compsci on Oct 30, 2006 9:51:05 GMT
I'm starting to be rather happy that my Cambridge to Z1-6 gold card (the price of which doesn't bear thinking about) is still issued as a magnetic ticket.
It may demagnetise almost weekly, but even if this happens it remains a valid ticket unless it becomes completely illegible. As long as I'm carrying it and don't suddenly decide to have an excursion to Amersham I can think about things other than where I may or may not have been required to touch in/out/whatever.
A few of the new ticket collectors from private security companies have started at it for some time (perhaps because its not orange), but they get the message eventually.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 30, 2006 10:02:42 GMT
I'm starting to be rather happy that my Cambridge to Z1-6 gold card (the price of which doesn't bear thinking about) is still issued as a magnetic ticket. It may demagnetise almost weekly, but even if this happens it remains a valid ticket unless it becomes completely illegible. As long as I'm carrying it and don't suddenly decide to have an excursion to Amersham I can think about things other than where I may or may not have been required to touch in/out/whatever. A few of the new ticket collectors from private security companies have started at it for some time (perhaps because its not orange), but they get the message eventually. mmm a Cambridge Z123456 must be nearly £3grand? The magnetic ALL ZONES TC isn't too bad, but I see Magnetic 1&2's and when the extension is £3 - rather than the Oyster £1 - it doesn't impress. But then even with a failed magnetic ticket at least you can still travel while waiting to get a replacement.
|
|
Oracle
In memoriam
RIP 2012
Writing is such sweet sorrow: like heck it is!
Posts: 3,234
|
Post by Oracle on Oct 30, 2006 11:02:20 GMT
I wish someone would explain why we sometimes have big problemos with SWT Conductor-issued Z1-6 Travelcards? LU barriers often refuse to accept them...but it may be one out of the three issued!
|
|
|
Post by compsci on Nov 7, 2006 13:20:07 GMT
After a bit of investigation I've discovered that it's actually cheaper to buy single tickets for my Thameslink journey every day than to use a Travelcard season, so have switched to a London Terminals ticket.
In the morning I will use Oyster as there is only one ticket machine at KCM and hence an appropriately sized queue. In the evening I will buy a paper ticket as using my gold card makes the fare fall to £1. In all this will cost around £600 per year rather than £888. However, come January I can abandon the whole charade as my ticket will be valid through to City Thameslink (a product of the new zonal fares which will force the via Farringdon rule to be abandoned)
This took me a while to find out as the trainline and affiliates show the standard single fare to be both £3 and £1.50 (double for return) at the same time. After asking at the ticket office and checking the machines it appears that the fare is in fact always £1.50 single, so I've no idea where the other fare came from, unless it's actually a mislabelled LU Zone 1 ticket.
At the weekends (the only time I ever venture off Thameslink) I can buy a discounted 1-6 Travelcard using my gold card.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2006 0:47:01 GMT
Just imagine how fun it will be IF , or rather when, LU introduce a minimum top-up at the ticket office, Already do, as far as I know, £5...
|
|
|
Post by Tomcakes on Dec 23, 2006 17:30:26 GMT
IF the ticket office is closed, you must purchase a magnetic ticket and claim the cost back. How difficult is this? A cynic might suggest it is deliberately made so difficult so as to discourage people from claiming.
|
|
Phil
In memoriam
RIP 23-Oct-2018
Posts: 9,473
|
Post by Phil on Dec 23, 2006 23:10:29 GMT
How difficult is this? A cynic might suggest it is deliberately made so difficult so as to discourage people from claiming. I doubt it - cockup rather than conspiracy. It stems from the fact that those making the rules all have staff passes so have no idea of the inconvenience they cause setting out these sort of ridiculous rules in their efforts to trap the few genuine rogues. I imagine that our imaginary passenger whose valid prepay is not recognised and has no money would be allowed to travel by 'common sense' as mentioned above. If he were prevented from travelling and he had prepaid he would certainly have a claim in the small claims court for breach of contract. I would be prepared to bet that some smart lawyers have already tested that and won, but of course LU wouldn't publicise it........having no extra money on you when you've already prepaid is not a crime.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2006 18:20:21 GMT
How difficult is this? A cynic might suggest it is deliberately made so difficult so as to discourage people from claiming. I doubt it - cockup rather than conspiracy. It stems from the fact that those making the rules all have staff passes so have no idea of the inconvenience they cause setting out these sort of ridiculous rules in their efforts to trap the few genuine rogues. I imagine that our imaginary passenger whose valid prepay is not recognised and has no money would be allowed to travel by 'common sense' as mentioned above. If he were prevented from travelling and he had prepaid he would certainly have a claim in the small claims court for breach of contract. I would be prepared to bet that some smart lawyers have already tested that and won, but of course LU wouldn't publicise it........having no extra money on you when you've already prepaid is not a crime. I doubt it Oyster cards are issued as per the conditions of carriage and remain the property of TfL. I seriously doubt you'd have grounds to prosecute under breach of contract. As for Tomcakes opinion, that a cynic may suggest to discourage people from claiming, IMHO you're 100% right. The same tactic is used by many companies and retailers.
|
|
Ben
fotopic... whats that?
Posts: 4,282
|
Post by Ben on Dec 25, 2006 22:26:54 GMT
On the subject of claiming a refund for a paper single, I tried to do this once for a reason that escapes me at Uxbridge. I was greeted with a dirty look and a remark that made me laugh at the guy; "I don't know that we have the authority to do that kind of transaction." Guy then pushes the ticket back at me. I then explained to him what the board by his face said with regards to refunds. If I were more feeble minded I wouldnt have received a refund; but being in no particular rush I waited patiently for over 5 mins whilst he typed a long long series of numbers into the ticket machine, all the while looking extreamly grumpy. At the end I smiled, said thankyou and left.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 2, 2007 23:43:03 GMT
On the subject of claiming a refund for a paper single, I tried to do this once for a reason that escapes me at Uxbridge. I was greeted with a dirty look and a remark that made me laugh at the guy; "I don't know that we have the authority to do that kind of transaction." Guy then pushes the ticket back at me. I then explained to him what the board by his face said with regards to refunds. If I were more feeble minded I wouldnt have received a refund; but being in no particular rush I waited patiently for over 5 mins whilst he typed a long long series of numbers into the ticket machine, all the while looking extreamly grumpy. At the end I smiled, said thankyou and left. That's annoying, as it's a fairly simple procedure. There's a "refund due to ticket office closure option" on the ticket machine. Simply need to enter the ticket number, station NLC, machine used and the cost of ticket. Very simple really.
|
|
|
Post by tubeprune on Jan 3, 2007 7:37:12 GMT
I prefer it simple. I don't live in London but I sometimes get a job which requires me to commute from Loughborough. I buy a season ticket at Loughborough (a monthly ticket starts to become economic after 8 days of equivalent return tickets) and I have an oyster card for London. The only thing I find odd is that to go to East Croydon on the train I can't use my Oyster on Southern but I could if I went by bus!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2007 19:34:37 GMT
Oyster pre-pay is not valid on virtually every NR route.
Quickest way to East Croydon on pre-pay would be tube to Wimbledon and the tram IMHO.
|
|
Chris M
Global Moderator
Forum Quizmaster
Always happy to receive quiz ideas and pictures by email or PM
Posts: 19,440
Member is Online
|
Post by Chris M on Jan 4, 2007 0:07:32 GMT
Alternatively Morden Road tram stop is about a 5-10 minute walk from South Wimbledon. It simple - out the station, turn left, keep following the main road. You need to cross the road at some point but iirc there is a zebra or pelican outside the station to help.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2007 13:46:37 GMT
You don't what to do that Nearer 10 - 15 min walk. You can cross the at the lights outside Staples as well, but the question is would you want to. If the Northern Line is your route, better to get off at Tooting Broadway and get the 264 or stay on until Morden and get the 154/157.
|
|