Anyone else had problems with TheTraineline.com?

Just wondered if anyone else has suffered when using the Trainline? Bought two train tickets for use on Saturday last weekend and when we came to collect them from the FastTicket machine we were unable to do so. The machine threw up an error saying that no connection to the server could be made. Had to buy replacement tickets over the counter in order to catch the train. Rang TheTrainline customer services (call centre in India) and they have said that I will need to send the receipts for the replcaement tickets to an address in Edinburgh. OK of course I can do that but why should I, given that I am due a refund for a non-delivered service regardless of what I chose to then do to make the journey? Also, surely their system has the proof that the tickets were never dispensed?

They also said I would not get back the £2 credit card fee originally levied - only the cost of the replacement tickets, so I'll still be out of pocket [n] They added that the responsibility for the FastTicket machines is not theirs, so the whole thing is not their fault anyway[:(!]

Would be interested in anyone else's experiences. We have used them before without problem - but this may now be the last time!

I've used them many times for work and leisure with no problem. Bit of a b*gger when this kind of thing happens, but personally I'd write the £2 off to the "sh*t happens" account and continue to use them as they've saved me a shedload of money and time over the years.

Paul

[fozzyo]

TheTrainLine has to be one of the travel websites that really annoys me ... most of it is so badly designed! Its a useful service, but not a good service. I've had problems with FastTicket machines not working - in which case I go to the ticket collection desk to pick them up and moan.

One of the things that really annoys me is the random password it gives you to collect your tickets. Most people usually take an age finding the piece of paper they wrote it on when they get to the machine ... you have your booking card, that's enough for me to collect airline tickets ... why not train tickets? And if they do insist on a password why not the one people can remember ... the one they login to your site with! Grrrrrr.

The last few times I have opted to have tickets posted to me, makes life so much easier if you have time to do that.

Originally posted by fozzyo

One of the things that really annoys me is the random password it gives you to collect your tickets.

In which case be annoyed no more as you only need the cc you used to pay for the tickets...

Paul

[fozzyo]

Fantastic news - its only taken then how many years to realise? Thanks for the info Paul.

[mcmbenjamin]

Try trainline.com. Great band!

Thanks all for your replies. I guess these things happen...life's too short to worry over £26.70:)

It's just the principle that gets my back up [:(!] ....calm down James, it's only £26.70 (hopefully only £2 if I hear back from their "refunds dept" in Edinburgh)!!!

I always use Virgin Trains for all my tickets. It's the same back end as The Train Line, but without the surcharge.

I don't know why people still use the trainline.com when they have been charging a booking fee for more than two years now. You can find and book any UK rail journey directly at http://www.midlandmainline.com or http://www.gnertickets.co.uk and you won't be charged a penny extra for the privilege! Book more than seven days in advance and your tickets will be posted to you free of charge. I have never had a problem booking tickets using these sites and collecting at a FastTicket machine.

Originally posted by locutus
I always use Virgin Trains for all my tickets. It's the same back end as The Train Line, but without the surcharge.

Thanks for that information (and to SM's too). Useful to know. The two quid saved can go to the Escape Fund.

Now if there were a way to avoid the cc surcharge at VH.....

Paul

Originally posted by pjh

Thanks for that information (and to SM's too). Useful to know. The two quid saved can go to the Escape Fund.

Now if there were a way to avoid the cc surcharge at VH.....

Paul

Well, I agree it's a pain, but then getting 10% FC discount helps me forget about that, but you would think they would waive it for VS Amex card holders. [:?]