More clarity on using London Terminals

In RAIL 969’s The Fare Dealer, I explained the new wording on South Western Railway ticket machines (TVMs), which list exactly which terminals may be accessed with a ticket to London Terminals.

Taking Bournemouth’s TVM as an example, I said that the wording now lists all the permitted terminals, but adds: “The last rail leg of the journey must be on National Rail services.”

This is because such a ticket is valid to Paddington - but only via Slough, and not via Waterloo and the Bakerloo Line. If you did the latter, the last leg would be on the Underground (LU) and so would not be permitted.

You can always use a ticket on LU to cross between terminals for longer journeys, but not if your ticket is only to London.

Two main queries arose. I said that via Waterloo permits continuing to Charing Cross, London Bridge, Cannon Street, Blackfriars and City Thameslink (though no further north).

Some readers asked why you can’t carry on to St Pancras, as the line north of City Thameslink isn’t LU.

That’s because the Routeing Guide specifically prohibits it. You must remember that the TVM is showing only terminals you’re allowed to use with your particular “any permitted route” ticket.

Secondly, if your last leg is on the Elizabeth line, is that OK as it’s National Rail?

Yes, it’s National Rail throughout, but for journeys wholly within the PaddingtonLiverpool Street core it is counted as an Underground line for ticketing purposes only. Things are never straightforward with London Underground!