will this train ticket work at reading?

[sophj-26]

Hi!

This is probally a really silly question to ask, but I dont want to be caught out. I bought two singles (outbound and return) to london, however on the way back to the south west I have been offered a lift to pick up from reading. The ticket cost next to nothing so im not bothered about what i spent, but seeing as my ticket is valid between london pad and cornwall, will I still be able to exit reading station through the barriers? Ive never done it this way before and just wanted to check.

Has this happened to you before?
Thanks x

[factor-fiction]

Is Reading on the London- Cornwall line? If so you'll be okay.

[sophj-26]

yes it is. ive been to london a few times and each time weve gone through and stoped at reading.

Thanks, thats a big relief! I had an awful image of getting stuck at the barriers and starting a major qeue!

thanks again!
x

[mikestar]

if Reading is between London and cornwall then is should be fine. just explain that you are getting picked up then they will let you through :)

[sophj-26]

perfic, thanks guys!

x

[dzug]

Sorry the above info is plain wrong .

If your ticket is an advance single between Cornwall and London (and it sounds like it is as you say you paid very little for it) then it is NOT valid at Reading - only at the two stations printed on it on the trains booked.

In reality you may get away from it but they are perfectly entitled to charge you a penalty fare for travelling without a valid ticket.

[boxtops]

I've got on at an intervening station when my ticket back should be from an earlier station (because I got a lift part-way) - it was not a problem.

[craft1948]

but why should they...........I've travelled from Peterborough to York using a London to York ticket without any problem.....

[Vagrant]

Depends if your ticket allows break of journey - have a read of this:
http://en.wikipedia.o...onditions_of_Carriage

[Mr Veritas]

Sad to say,but I think dzug is right.
This is from the National Rail Enquiries Website:~

New Advance ticket terms and conditions
Break of journey
You may not start, break and resume, or end your journey at any intermediate station except to change to/from connecting trains as shown on the ticket(s) or other valid travel itinerary.
Here is a link to the actual page:
http://www.nationalra...vance_conditions.html
Of course if the staff at Reading are helpful they may let you through,but they can(and do) enforce the rules,it just depends on the particular member of staff you get.

[China Doll]

I've done something similar before and it was fine but you have to show it to the guards as it won't go through the machines and it is up to their discretion. They were pretty cool about the whole thing though.

[mikey0118]

Rather than face the hassle and possible problems at Reading station, use the lift next to platforms 4A and 4B and go up one level. In just a few seconds, you will be taken from the ticket-only area up to a bridge, which is accessible to all - with or without a ticket. When you get out of the lift, make a left-180 turn, go down the stairs and walk out of the station. That way, you will bypass the barriers altogether.