There are important changes to off peak return fares on the Mid Cheshire Line from Sunday 7th September 2014 ….
What are the changes?
1. Withdrawal of Cheap Evening Returns and Evening Rail Rangers
2. Restrictions on the validity of Off Peak Day Return tickets from some stations and travelcards in the evening peak from Monday to Friday
Why are the changes being made?
As a condition of extending Northern’s franchise until 2016 the Department for Transport has required Northern to make savings in order to reduce the subsidy which it receives. Northern has, therefore, had to introduce restrictions on the validity of Off Peak Day Returns for journeys starting and finishing within Greater Manchester and has withdrawn Cheap Evening Returns and Evening Rangers. The changes apply from 8 September.
How is my station affected?
Group A
No change to ticket validity and fares for Off Peak Day Returns on the Mid Cheshire Line:
Chester
Mouldsworth
Delamere
Cuddington
Greenbank
Northwich
Lostock Gralam
Group B
Cheap Evening Returns withdrawn but no other changes:
Plumley
Knutsford
Mobberley
Ashley
Group C
Cheap Evening Returns and Evening Rail Rangers withdrawn.
Off Peak Day Returns, GM Rail Rangers and System One DaySavers not valid for rail journeys between any two of these stations, or any other stations in Greater Manchester, which start between 16:01 and 18:29 from Monday to Friday, except on Bank Holidays:
Hale
Altrincham
Navigation Road
Stockport
Manchester Piccadilly
(Railcard discounts still apply, but Off Peak Day Returns bought with a railcard are subject to the same limitations on validity as full price Off Peak Day Returns).
All stations on the Line – which off peak return tickets are not affected?
Off Peak Day Returns from or to any stations in Groups A and B are not affected by the changes – so, for example, Off Peak Day Returns, from Mouldsworth or Plumley to Stockport are not affected and Off Peak Day Returns from Stockport to Mouldsworth or Plumley are also not affected.
Mid Cheshire Line DUOs and the Greater Manchester Wayfarer ticket are not affected.
Greater Manchester Over 60s passes and National Concessionary Travel Passes (‘bus passes’) issued by Transport for Greater Manchester are not affected and will remain valid for travel on local trains in the TfGM area in the evening peak period.
