Train tickets and route?

Question

hi i dont know if any1 can help but i thought id ask?

im going away on a training course for my new job, theyve arranged + paid for train tickets to get me from romford to wiltshire.

romford going 2 liverpool st

then circle line to paddington

then first western train to swindon

then bus to bath spa

first western train to westbury

its a lot of changes, and that train leaves@1 and gets there at 5.00, i would rather go later but its a different route slightly at the end

romford going 2 liverpool st

then circle line to paddington

first western train towards exeter to westbury

ALOT simpler! but cos it says bath spa on my ticket route do i HAVE to go that route?

would they let me use the tickets i have for the quicker route this one is alot less changes.?

where can i find out? thanks!

Answer 1

Unfortunately as you ticket says 'Route: Bath Spa', you will have to go via Bath Spa. Are you travelling on a weekend? The fact its a bus between Swindon and Bath Spa makes me think there are engineering works.

If so, then FGW may be kind enough to let you travel on the more direct route. Dont hold out much hope though. Afterall, it is First group. Probably the least capable of all the companies operating on the railway.

Answer 2

The route on the ticket indicates the costs availble to each TOC the ticket covers and normally will give you the most common route used, unless specified when booked.

Unfortunatley the only way to change your plans would be to redeem the ticket and purchase a new one over the route you require.

Answer 3

Call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.

Answer 4

If your ticket says Bath Spa as the destination, then you are lumbered with going that way. If the destination is Westbury by 'any available route' then you could take the direct one. The route chosen for you does seem a little odd. A quick check shows that your preference takes about 4 hours, rather than 5.

Answer 5

There are direct trains from London Paddington to Westbury

if I understand correctly and that is your final destination. They take about 75 minutes and run hourly or two hourly according to the time of day. Your ticket from Romford or London to Westbury should be valid on the direct train unless it is some sort of advance purchase reduced price ticket and another route is actually printed on the ticket. If you are in any doubt telephone the rail operator First Great Western on 08457 000 125