N ewsrail. WEEK ENDING 19 May 2007 ITEM FOR TRAIN COMPANY ON RETAIL TRAIN TRAVEL ITEM SUBJECT OUTLETS STAFF AGENTS

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1 N ewsrail E X P R E S S WEEK ENDING 19 May 2007 ITEM FOR TRAIN COMPANY ON RETAIL TRAIN TRAVEL ITEM SUBJECT OUTLETS STAFF AGENTS 1 National Rail Go PLUSBUS and leave the car at home 2 ATOC Ordering Railcard station literature and posters 3 National Rail Cycling by Train leaflet 4 ATOC Three Peaks Challenge 7th to 9th June First Great Western Saver/First Saver validity code GI 340 National Rail information is listed first, followed by Train Company information in alphabetical Train Company order. Further items follow in alphabetical contributor order. * To be read by Retail Staff, On-Train Staff and Travel Agents where appropriate.

2 Additional items included with this issue of Newsrail Express Retail Manual part 2 Issue 203 If you have not received these additional items or if you need extra copies, please contact: TSO Customer Services, St. Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1PD Tel: Fax: csatoc@tso.co.uk TOCs should inform their Pricing or Retail Manager about any changes to the distribution of publications. New prices for Newsrail Express items and Retail Manual updates from 1 May 2007 There will be new prices for putting news items into Newsrail Express and for updating the Retail Manual from 1 May These prices have been agreed by Ticketing & Settlement Scheme Council and Retail Group. The aim is to partly shift the cost from TOCs submitting items and making changes to TOCs that still require printed paper copies of Newsrail Express and the Retail Manual. This aims to encourage greater use of electronic communications. New charges for making changes are shown in the following tables. New pages/pages amended Retail Manual Amendment Black & white page cost Colour page cost (fixed basic cost) (per page) (per page) Newsrail Express News item standard fixed cost (however long the news item is) 100 Any remaining production and distribution costs will be charged to TOCs receiving paper copies of Newsrail Express and Retail Manual updates in proportion to the number of copies each TOC requires. Charges will be calculated by RSP. Altering your TOC s requirement for paper copies of Newsrail Express and Retail Manual updates TOCs can reduce production and distribution costs by altering the number of paper copies of Newsrail Express and Retail Manual updates by contacting their Pricing Manager or nominated TOC representative to amend their TOC publications distribution list through the FRPS website. For example, a TOC may decide that it no longer requires paper copies of Newsrail Express and Retail Manual updates, if appropriate staff can access the information electronically. FRPP website an excellent alternative to paper Retail publications information can be accessed electronically via: and includes: Newsrail Express Retail Manual Part One & Part Two National Fares Manuals RailLinks Manual Ticket Examiners Handbook Travel agents have their own ATOC travel agents website at: Retail Communications Manager paul.chilver@atoc.org Tel:

3 TO BE READ BY: TRAIN COMPANY RETAIL STAFF ON-TRAIN STAFF TRAVEL AGENTS 1 Go PLUSBUS and leave the car at home What s PLUSBUS? PLUSBUS combines rail and bus travel, offering customers train travel and unlimited bus travel around their origin or destination station in one easy transaction. It s now available for over 300 stations nationwide. Tickets can be sold from any National Rail station ticket office, rail appointed travel agent or selected telesales offices. It makes door to door public transport combining rail and bus an easy option, meaning customers can leave their car in the garage. Season Tickets available PLUSBUS tickets are available for one day, with Season Tickets for 7 days, a month, 3 months and a year for many PLUSBUS stations. PLUSBUS can be added to period return tickets if customers say what date they re coming back and a separate PLUSBUS ticket is sold for the return date. How do I issue PLUSBUS tickets? For rail journeys to/from PLUSBUS stations, ask customers if they want PLUSBUS for travel around their origin or destination station. Then: Where a through fare is shown, issue the ticket in the usual way. Where a through fare is not shown, issue the rail ticket and a separate PLUSBUS ticket. All PLUSBUS fares are included in ticket issuing systems. If customers are not returning the same day, they can buy an additional PLUSBUS ticket dated for their return travel day. Customers can buy PLUSBUS tickets for bus travel around stations at the beginning and/or end of their rail journey. Usual rail discounts apply to children and Railcards for day PLUSBUS tickets. Holders of Privilege travel facilities, Status Passes, All-Line & Regional Rail Rovers and BritRail passes can be issued with PLUSBUS tickets, without discount. What do I offer customers? Get to know PLUSBUS stations and areas covered that people travel to from your station. Is there a shopping centre, tourist attraction, business park or college in PLUSBUS station zones to help you persuade customers to buy PLUSBUS? Customers also like to buy PLUSBUS, especially Season Tickets, if they make journeys to or from stations with very busy car parks or if there is road traffic congestion around stations. So check with your commuters if PLUSBUS would help them leave the car at home. More information Customers can ring Traveline or visit for bus information and timetables. The RailLinks manual has details of all PLUSBUS zones, with prices and maps showing areas covered around stations or visit You can access the RailLinks manual electronically through And there s more how to sell PLUSBUS, training course ATOC has developed an interactive electronic training course, called Just the ticket... and there s more, with handy tips on how to sell PLUSBUS. Ask your manager about Just the ticket and there s more, or see the Marketing and Retail section of Don t forget that if you can t find through PLUSBUS fares in ticket issuing systems, you should issue the rail journey ticket and also issue separate PLUSBUS tickets. ATOC Retail Support

4 TO BE READ BY: TRAIN COMPANY RETAIL STAFF ON-TRAIN STAFF TRAVEL AGENTS 2 Ordering Railcard station literature and posters To give you the best savings for your train operating company please order National Railcards (Young Persons, Family and Senior) station literature plus ATOC condition cards and Rail Travel for Disabled Passengers booklets and Rail Map for People with Reduced Mobility with other products from Bemrose Booth, these include: All contract ticketing materials Sponsored wallets and photocards Other miscellaneous products including cleaning materials and operational forms A complete product list can be obtained by contacting Bemrose Booth direct (details below) Place orders: Online: Tel: atoc@bemrosebooth.com Fax: The following TOCs should contact Paula Murphy at Hercules in the usual way: c2c First Capital Connect First Great Western GNER one Silverlink orders@herculesdistribution.co.uk Fax: (int: ) Tel: (int: ) Richard Flindell National Rail Marketing Manager, ATOC Tel: Newsrail Express for train company National Rail information over 7,000 copies printed fortnightly 3,000 stations, travel agents and call centres receive Newsrail Express Estimated readership of 15,000 retail staff 4

5 TO BE READ BY: TRAIN COMPANY RETAIL STAFF ON-TRAIN STAFF TRAVEL AGENTS 3 Cycling by Train leaflet The National Rail Cycling by Train leaflet provides passengers with a summary of each train company s policy for carrying cycles by train. Stocks of the 2007 edition are available to be racked at stations. To order copies, please send your order with delivery details to: Emerson Roberts, Brompton Cycles emerson@bbicycle.co.uk This National Rail leaflet is sponsored by Brompton Cycles. RailLinks manual The information in the leaflet can also be found in the all-new section E within the RailLinks manual and accessed on the Fares and Retail Publications Portal National Rail Marketing

6 TO BE READ BY: TRAIN COMPANY RETAIL STAFF ON-TRAIN STAFF TRAVEL AGENTS 4 Three Peaks Challenge 7th to 9th June 2007 On Thursday 7 June, 200 people representing rail companies from all over the UK will set off on a special train from London Euston to compete in a Three Peaks race by rail challenge. The event has been organised by the Railway Children, a charity that helps runaway and abandoned children living on or around the world s railway stations. Participants of the challenge will walk or run up the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales in around 48 hours, with special trains connecting the three peaks. A Standard Class commemorative all stations pass, valid from 7 to 10 June 2007 (inclusive) has been produced free of charge by BemroseBooth for the event (see specimen below). Each pass issued will carry the participant s name and participants are expected to verify their identity if requested by revenue protection staff. The pass provides rail travel: to London on Thursday 7 June 2007; from North Wales, the Lake District or the Scottish Highlands to the participant s home, if he or she drops out or misses the organised train between peaks, and from London to the participant s home on Saturday 9 June 2007 or Sunday 10 June RSP No. 4599/TPC Rail Settlement Plan Newsrail Express for train company National Rail information over 7,000 copies printed fortnightly 3,000 stations, travel agents and call centres receive Newsrail Express Estimated readership of 15,000 retail staff 6

7 TO BE READ BY: TRAIN COMPANY RETAIL STAFF ON-TRAIN STAFF TRAVEL AGENTS 5 Saver/First Saver validity code GI The text of Saver/First Saver validity code GI published in NFM96 (valid from 20 May 2007) is incorrect. The correct text is shown below. Validity Monday to Friday only. Code GI Restriction Applies: No travel restrictions on other days. Both Outward and Return Travel GW May be used on services which depart from: AT or AFTER Bath Spa, Bradford-on-Avon, Bristol Temple Meads, Bruton, Castle Cary, Chetnole, Cosham, Dilton Marsh, Dorchester West, Fareham, Fratton, Frome, Maiden Newton, Portsmouth and Southsea, Portsmouth Harbour, Salisbury, 0851 Southampton, Thornford, Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury, Yeovil Pen Mill or Yetminster: Dean 0847 Dunbridge 0841 Romsey 0836 Upwey 0849 Weymouth 0844 May be used earlier when connecting with trains at the above station. First Great Western Pricing Newsrail Express for train company National Rail information over 7,000 copies printed fortnightly 3,000 stations, travel agents and call centres receive Newsrail Express Estimated readership of 15,000 retail staff 7

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11 INDEX This index covers items from the last six issues of Newsrail Express. Amendments to Fares Manuals and associated Publications are excluded. ITEM (in alphabetical TOC order) NEWSRAIL EXPRESS No. ITEM No. PAGE No. ATOC Ordering station literature and posters notice of change of supplier (updated) Central Trains Charnwood Borough Council new Concessionary Fares Scheme Central Trains Summary of Fares Review May Central Trains GroupSave to Skegness Central Trains Derbyshire Wayfarer First Great Western Changes to High Speed Train (HST) reservations on First Great Western National Rail Daily Mail Ideal Home Show National Rail Disabled persons without Railcards National Rail Free travel for accompanied children aged under 11 within the London fares zone area National Rail New Railcard leaflets and posters National Rail Date validation for thermal Railcard stock National Rail Change of address for TOCs returning Railcard application forms National Rail Season tickets and Rovers one Station name changes PLUSBUS Go green, Go PLUSBUS PLUSBUS Make sure you know how to issue PLUSBUS PLUSBUS New PLUSBUS stations from 20 May Railcards Family Railcard trial promotion Railcards Railcard application forms Railcards Railcard application forms Silverlink & Virgin Trains Changes to Silverlink and Virgin services over Easter Silverlink & Virgin Trains Changes to Silverlink and Virgin services over Easter South West Trains New Super Off-Peak tickets Virgin Trains Virgin West Coast fare corrections Virgin Trains Virgin Cross Country fares changes and New Forest bus link

12 Retail Communication Deadlines Would TOC and ATOC information providers please note the following deadlines for content submission, through FRPS, for Newsrail Express items and updates to your sections in Retail Manual Part Two (also reflected in Rail Directory for Travel Agents Part One). Submissions can be made up until 23:59 on the date shown. The Rail Directory for Travel Agents Part One is provided to travel agents in electronic format only and mirrors the information submitted to the Retail Manual Part Two. May to November 2007 Newsrail Express Retail Manual Delivery date at retail locations Deadline for submission issue number Part Two (may vary by 2 days either side) by information providers is 23:59 on the dates below June 22 May July update 18 June 30 May June 6 June July 20 June August update 16 July 27 June July 4 July July 18 July September update 13 August 25 July August 1 August August 14 August October update 10 September 21 August September 29 August September 12 September November update 8 October 19 September October 26 September October 10 October December update 5 November 17 October November 24 October FRPS website The Fares & Retail Publications Service website (operated by TSO) for entering information is Each TOC and ATOC have designated information providers with password access to contribute Newsrail Express items and Retail Manual Part Two updates. Guidance and cue cards Guidance on how to use the system is available from in the Marketing and Retail > FRPS (Fares & Retail Publications Service) section. For additional editorial guidance contact Paul Chilver at ATOC Editorial on paul.chilver@atoc.org or telephone Proof checking At the proof check stage, (usually 2-3 days after the submission deadline) contributors will receive an from TSO which states what the time deadline is for checking your proof. This then normally gives you one working day to check the proof and you should advise of any alterations required or supply sign-off to Paul Chilver at ATOC Editorial, fax by the deadline shown in the . Further information and prices Further information and full pricing details for contributing news items and updates is shown in the inside cover of this edition or available from in the Marketing and Retail > FRPS (Fares & Retail Publications Service) section. Note that prices are higher for colour and laminated pages where required. For invoice enquiries please contact Andrew Tolley at RSP on andrew.tolley@atoc.org or tel Publication supplies, distribution and technical support The TSO helpline for publication supplies (if you want to buy extra copies of manuals), distribution queries (if you do not receive the information that you were expecting) and technical support is or csatoc@tso.co.uk. If you simply wish to make a change to the distribution database then please contact your TOC s Retail or Pricing Manager (for non-tocs please contact paul.chilver@atoc.org). Inserts and merchandisers If you wish to send out any separate inserts (such as leaflets and merchandisers) within the Newsrail Express distribution package (either distribution of your pre-printed material or a full print and distribution service) please arrange this direct with TSO tel , csatoc@tso.co.uk to discuss details of costs and timescales. Please ensure that you contact TSO at least 7 days in advance of the submission deadline date shown above. Retail Manual Part One, Rail Directory for Travel Agents Part Two, Ticket Examiners Handbook If you want any changes made to Retail Manual Part One, Rail Directory for Travel Agents Part Two and Ticket Examiners Handbook, please contact ATOC Editorial on mark.bryce@atoc.org. working together for Great Britain s National Rail companies ASSOCIATION of TRAIN OPERATING COMPANIES Printed by The Stationery Office Limited (TSO) St. Crispins Duke Street Norwich NR3 1PD Copyright Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) 2000