Why Try To Be Succinct?

[DaisyNonna]

Rang National Train Enquiries to check return rail fare, off peak with a Senior Rail Card.
But no. Had to go through the whole palaver. What day? What time?
Tried to explain I just wanted the cost as I knew which times and changes were involved.
Eventually told a price which I queried. Rail Card had been forgotten.
Script and tick box situation?

[DTCwordfan]

Man from the Scillies goes to the office in the Penzance terminal station.

"I'd like a return ticket please."

"Where to, Sir?"

"Well, bleddy well here, of course,"

[Quizproquo]

Prices change hourly and daily according to demand so they need to know your dates and times of travel to give you the price.
It's no longer one organisation and they might have to cross reference several companies depending on your journey.
It's a pain in the jacksy, but necessary now.

[Jackdaw33]

I used to work for them. No problem in my day. Unfortunately they closed us down and transferred the contract to India.

[DaisyNonna]

Off peak is exactly what it says
Changes hourly?
Only one company on first part of journey and only one on the second

[EDDIE51]

Use this online enquiry site, very easy and faster than a phone call
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

[DaisyNonna]

Will try that next time EDDIE

[Jackdaw33]

I think the OP was asking for a walk on fare. They are fixed.

[DaisyNonna]

Walk on? Climb on!

[Buenchico]

As well as normal off-peak fares, there are often off-peak day return fares and super-off-peak day return fares available. Further, the number of passengers can be relevant for off-peak travel (as groups of 3 or more get a third discount on many routes). Further, using two 'Advance' single tickets can be cheaper on certain services. So the person taking your call needs plenty of information if he/she is to be able to provide an accurate answer to your query.

It's far simpler to look for yourself, here:
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
(Remember to use the 'More options' button to add your railcard).

I get frustrated though in fast food restaurants, where the staff often seem to be unable to work beyond the script. e.g. (in KFC):
Me: "A three strip meal please, to eat in, with a cappuccino and sweet chilli sauce"
Them: "Is that to eat in or take out?"
Me "To eat in, please"
Them: "And what drink would you like with that"
Me: "A cappuccino, please"
Them: "Would you like any sauces with that"
Me: "Yes, sweet chilli, please"
GRRR!!!

[Buenchico]

Methinks JD33 was referring to a 'walk up' fare (as they're known in the rail industry), rather than a 'walk on' one ;)

[vulcan42]

Or my favourite," A black coffee please"
"Do you want milk with that?"

[DaisyNonna]

Was not asked if more than one person was travelling
Was not asked if I wanted to pay in advance
The whole system is a complete
There needs to be much more clarity

[DaisyNonna]

Walk up? I do realise that stuff has been outsourced to India but if they want to be helpful even those working here should speak recognisable English

[Buenchico]

NRES (the National Rail Enquiries Service) is run by Serco.

'nuff said ;-)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serco#UK_operations

[DTCwordfan]

Said man from the Scillies gets on the 'Up-country' train, the old days pre Beecham that this is.

1st stop, Marazion, some two miles up the track, the conductor comes down the platform slamming the doors and shouting, 'Zion, Zion, Zion'

2nd stop, St Erth, (still here, change for St. Ives), some 5 miles on from 'Zion, the train pulls in and the conductor comes down the platform, slamming the doors once again, shouting out 'Erth, Erth, Erth.'

3rd stop, another 2 miles on, if that, and the train arrives in Hayle, long since closed, same routine, the conductor at the doors and shouting out a truncated 'Hayle, Hell, Hell, Hell.'

The Scillonian, on hearing this, says, rich Cornish accent, 'Bagger this, I'be going back to the bleddy Scilly Isles......'

[EDDIE51]

^^ yes the two have very similar names but 'nationalrail' is the only one to use.

[Jackdaw33]

But Serco lost the contract 15 years ago to BT, have they got it back?

[DaisyNonna]

Perhaps I'll just stay home.