The Ticket Collector

Should I keep this blog running?

I know this blog is popular what with all the visits from various people and employees of big major companies visiting on their company internets.

But the thing that is starting to nark me off, is the fact that I am not getting any reconigtion for doing this blog. I know big major newspaper companies do visit this site, more then likley to see what the latest thing thats been leaked is. But since The Times decided to steal the content of this site I have not listed anything which was not in the Public Domain. I have plenty of juicy documents sent to me from my contact in the DfT about the new railway franchises. Did you know for example that theyve already decided on the final 2 for the ECML?

Now I have not had any awards, have not had any big newspapers mention this site in their papers even though they obviously visit for the leaked documents. I spend a lot of time on this blog and am thinking why do I bother. Feel free to comment.

On another note well done to Disgruntled Commuter who has been shortlisted in the Metro blog awards.

FREE FAMILY RAILCARD

This offer has now expired, sorry.
Yes thats right the title is true. ATOC in association with the Daily Mail is offering people a FREE 3 Month Family Railcard.

It is only vaild for 3 months and will expire on 31 July 2007. The website states that the card should be with you within 5 working days.

http://www.family-railcard.co.uk/dailymail/

This offer is only available online until midnight 24th April 2007. To register for your trial Family Railcard in conjunction with the Daily Mail, we need you to fill in the details below. Please note, you will receive your trial Family Railcard in the post within 5 working days, and you will need to have it with you to purchase and travel with discounted train tickets. Your trial Family Railcard will be valid until 31 July 2007.

From 23rd July 2007 you will be able to take advantage of the special 25% discount offer - so you might want to make a note of this date to ensure you receive a new Family Railcard valid for a whole year, for only £15 when your trial card expires.

Off Peak Fare Regulation?? Yes or No?

With South West Trains recent annoucment that they are adding a new off peak because too many people are using their service, would you want the Government to regulate all fares?

At the moment the Government regulates Savers and Cheap Day Returns and these cannot be increased more then around rpi+1 without the Governments consent. All other tickets can be increased any amount and in the case of SWT they have decided to add a third peak and increased fares 20%.

I have found a petition on 10 Downing Streets website at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/regulatefares/ Please sign it, if you think the fare increases are getting too much.

GNER Offer £5 single London to/from Leeds

In prehaps GNER’s last ditch promotional offer before the new owner takes over, GNER are offering you the chance to get a single ticket for just a fiver. Leeds to/From London is the route.

If you wish to get these super priced tickets you will need to book in advance on the internet, you cannot book these in a ticket office.

To book go to http://www.gner.co.uk/GNER/Tickets/_LeedsLondonOffer.htm

Maintenance strike on London Underground Sunday-Wednesday SUSPENDED

This has now been suspended.
Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport Union employed by maintenance firm Metronet, who are responsibility for renewal and maintenance of the London Underground network, have announced that they plan to take industrial action between 18:00 Sunday, 15 April 2007 and 18:00 Wednesday, 18 April 2007.

At this stage the impact of any industrial action along with any contingency plans that may be in place is unknown.

Re-nationalise rail network?

Was browsing the web and came across this listed on a fellow bloggers site. The UK Government is apparently having talks with Network Rail about bringing back the Railways into public ownership.

ScotRail could be a test-bed for this new idea.

Labour’s Scottish election manifesto, states: “The case for running the Scottish franchise on a not-for-profit basis needs to be fully examined as part of the preparation for the next franchise.” So it seems that First ScotRail could become Network ScotRail.

How would Scottish Rail seem to people?

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article1642806.ece

New Ticket Type - Off Peak Travelcard in the Peak!

Ok so there isnt much else to write about as nothing much is going on. I have been on a well earned holiday and so have no content!

I thought that I would tell you that FCC have decided to create a new type of Peak Travelcard which you can get railcard discounts on, AND it lets you come back during the evening peak as well!

The ticket is called the One Day Off Peak Travelcard Plus it is still the same price as a normal Peak Travelcard, but you can get normal railcard discounts on it which brings it to slightly above the normal off peak Travelcard. Also being a Travelcard Plus you are allowed to leave london at any time and you can leave during the normal evening peak.

I will attempt to get a scan of the ticket shortly.

If your traveling this weekend (Good Friday 6th April - Easter Monday 9th April) then please check your times NOW, a new amended timetable is in operation. Also most times have changed. I will post another entry nearer the time.