No ticket office open for Cork-Dublin 20:30

MrX · 07-08-2007, 19:27

I'm just getting the Cork-Dublin 20:30 train (Tues Aug, 7th 2007) and there is no ticket office open at Kent Station.

I was told that I could use the ticket machines, all fine and well except.

1) I didn't have cash on me and was planning to pay by laser, and my laser card never reads in those machines either for purchase or collection of tickets.

2) I am entitled to a student discount and couldn't get a student ticket.

Thankfully, there is a working ATM in the station, so I was able to get cash.

However, I don't appreciate being forced to pay €61, and have a much more restricted 5-day return when I am entitled to a student rate which is way cheaper and way more flexible.

There were other students in a similar position waiting for the train.

Also, what's an OAP supposed to do to use free travel!?

I asked members of staff who were sweeping up the waiting area, and got a gruff 'the ticket desk closed a while ago, you can use the machine.' and no further help.

You can't board the train at that station without a valid ticket.

Joke of a service.

Is there anything this company can do consistently? (other than displaying contempt for their customers.)

I will be seeking a refund of the difference between the fare I paid, and the fare I was supposed to get by writing to their HQ with copies of the tickets and student ID.

Mark Gleeson · 07-08-2007, 23:07

Well company policy is no retrospective refunds for post fact production of proof of entitlement for student fare

I'd have boarded ticketless, there is no legal obligation to purchase from a ticket vending machine

The clerk at the gate has a ticket issuing machine

MrX · 07-08-2007, 23:34

Mark,

I was told in no uncertain terms:

1) To buy a ticket at the vending machine.
2) When, I asked what I was supposed to do about the student fare issue I was told "I don't know, turn up earlier?"

They don't exactly make life easy.

Anyway, they've just lost me to Ryanair. I'm out of student mode fairly and I find Irish Rail irritate me beyond belief.

So, I'm afraid, for future trips, I'm flying or driving.

Mark Gleeson · 08-08-2007, 09:01

Your being too nice

1. No booking office means you board with no ticket
2. The train carries a ticket checker who has a ticket issuing machine

You are stuck since the 20:30 is to only way out of Cork at that time of day, so you can't kill the ticket clerk

Imagine you had booked and the machine wouldn't let you collect, they have to let you on if you have the reservation receipt

Seriously ring this number 703 44 99 and give out to the person who answers

Failing that I think its time to go to Cork

Alternatively buy a single to Mallow and deal with the ticket checker

07-08-2007, 19:27	#1
MrX Really Regular Poster Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 585	No ticket office open for Cork-Dublin 20:30 I'm just getting the Cork-Dublin 20:30 train (Tues Aug, 7th 2007) and there is no ticket office open at Kent Station. I was told that I could use the ticket machines, all fine and well except. 1) I didn't have cash on me and was planning to pay by laser, and my laser card never reads in those machines either for purchase or collection of tickets. 2) I am entitled to a student discount and couldn't get a student ticket. Thankfully, there is a working ATM in the station, so I was able to get cash. However, I don't appreciate being forced to pay €61, and have a much more restricted 5-day return when I am entitled to a student rate which is way cheaper and way more flexible. There were other students in a similar position waiting for the train. Also, what's an OAP supposed to do to use free travel!? I asked members of staff who were sweeping up the waiting area, and got a gruff 'the ticket desk closed a while ago, you can use the machine.' and no further help. You can't board the train at that station without a valid ticket. Joke of a service. Is there anything this company can do consistently? (other than displaying contempt for their customers.) I will be seeking a refund of the difference between the fare I paid, and the fare I was supposed to get by writing to their HQ with copies of the tickets and student ID.

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07-08-2007, 23:07	#2
Mark Gleeson Technical Officer Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Coach C, Seat 33 Posts: 12,669	Well company policy is no retrospective refunds for post fact production of proof of entitlement for student fare I'd have boarded ticketless, there is no legal obligation to purchase from a ticket vending machine The clerk at the gate has a ticket issuing machine

07-08-2007, 23:34	#3
MrX Really Regular Poster Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 585	Mark, I was told in no uncertain terms: 1) To buy a ticket at the vending machine. 2) When, I asked what I was supposed to do about the student fare issue I was told "I don't know, turn up earlier?" They don't exactly make life easy. Anyway, they've just lost me to Ryanair. I'm out of student mode fairly and I find Irish Rail irritate me beyond belief. So, I'm afraid, for future trips, I'm flying or driving.

08-08-2007, 09:01	#4
Mark Gleeson Technical Officer Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Coach C, Seat 33 Posts: 12,669	Your being too nice 1. No booking office means you board with no ticket 2. The train carries a ticket checker who has a ticket issuing machine You are stuck since the 20:30 is to only way out of Cork at that time of day, so you can't kill the ticket clerk Imagine you had booked and the machine wouldn't let you collect, they have to let you on if you have the reservation receipt Seriously ring this number 703 44 99 and give out to the person who answers Failing that I think its time to go to Cork Alternatively buy a single to Mallow and deal with the ticket checker