False advertisement

Destructix · 26-09-2012, 16:54

Iarnród Éireann are claiming cheaper fares online vs the station from Thurles to Dublin. Yet when I try to book one day in advance it cost more than what it does in the station.

Quote:

One-Way Seat Sale to/ from Dublin
Book 3+ Days in Advance €9.99*
Book 1 or 2 Days in Advance €21.99
Book on Day of Travel €32.99

€21.99 x 2 = €43.98 + €3 booking fee = €46.98 even with the use of a laser card vs visa/mastercard that's only 2c discount.

Station = €46 or €43 day saver (was €37 day saver fare last month guess we got subsidize Nenagh and WRC with that increase) plus you have the benefit of getting on any train at any time out or return

It is ok for us regular/daily users we know all their tricks/scams how the €9.99 online Cork fares went on "sale" during the summer for €14.99 etc.

But for people who are not regular users the advertisement on their site gives the impression of great value even if you are booking on the day or 1-2 days in advanced, wonder how many people who don't use the service very regularly and they decide to buy online thinking it is cheaper but actually end up paying more got hooked in.

Worth reporting to the ASAI?

Mark Gleeson · 26-09-2012, 17:17

Return open fare from Thurles is 50 euro, day return 46 euro. Thats what we have and thats what Irish Rail are quoting as well

http://www.railusers.ie/passenger_in...1=Submit+Query

So the notice is accurate in its statements as the fare offered is less that than the legally approved fare as notified by the NTA

Jamie2k9 · 26-09-2012, 20:33

A booking fee is separate to a fare.

Destructix · 29-09-2012, 17:30

There was a day saver fare of €37 day return if you traveled before 11am on certain days it is now €43 day saver(think it only applies Tuesday and Thursdays now), €46 day return and €50 open return.

True the two day advanced booking fare price does work out €2.02 cheaper than the station without the booking fee. But the booking fee is an unavoidable part of this and I must point out before this "great sale" you could get the return leg part of this journey online for about €14.99 the outward journey price would vary but was never more than €26 single to Dublin. At the moment two day advance booking on both sides outward and return is €21.99 per train €43.98+ booking fee. It was never this expensive before the sale. So it is a sale where the prices have risen rather than falling.

Today Thurles-Dublin online is €65.98 excl booking. €46 station

Tomorrow it will be €43.98 excluding booking fee. My laser card was replaced so for me and a number of other people that's €3 booking fee on a Visa/MasterCard debit card. €46.98

They may not be breaking the law but the slogan Catch the best fares online is deceptive.

Mark Gleeson · 30-09-2012, 16:34

You completly fail to understand how the fares are determined

The return fare booked online will always be the same or less than the day return fare

So you will NEVER pay more than 46 euro + fees for a Dublin Thurles return journey.

I don't have a laser card, but I still don't pay the credit card fee as the vast majority who have an Irish issued debit card now have a visa debit card which Irish Rail do not impose a surcharge on.

Destructix · 30-09-2012, 22:30

They still increased the prices though and called it a sale. Thankfully I don't book online or pay full fare anymore since i got my student travel card.

26-09-2012, 17:17	#2
Mark Gleeson Technical Officer Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Coach C, Seat 33 Posts: 12,669	Return open fare from Thurles is 50 euro, day return 46 euro. Thats what we have and thats what Irish Rail are quoting as well http://www.railusers.ie/passenger_in...1=Submit+Query So the notice is accurate in its statements as the fare offered is less that than the legally approved fare as notified by the NTA __________________ Unhappy with new timetable - let us know Last edited by Mark Gleeson : 26-09-2012 at 17:35.

30-09-2012, 16:34	#5
Mark Gleeson Technical Officer Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Coach C, Seat 33 Posts: 12,669	You completly fail to understand how the fares are determined The return fare booked online will always be the same or less than the day return fare So you will NEVER pay more than 46 euro + fees for a Dublin Thurles return journey. I don't have a laser card, but I still don't pay the credit card fee as the vast majority who have an Irish issued debit card now have a visa debit card which Irish Rail do not impose a surcharge on. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Unhappy with new timetable - let us know

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26-09-2012, 20:33	#3
Jamie2k9 Really Really Regluar Poster Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 2,146	A booking fee is separate to a fare.

29-09-2012, 17:30	#4
Destructix Really Regular Poster Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Tipperary Posts: 258	There was a day saver fare of €37 day return if you traveled before 11am on certain days it is now €43 day saver(think it only applies Tuesday and Thursdays now), €46 day return and €50 open return. True the two day advanced booking fare price does work out €2.02 cheaper than the station without the booking fee. But the booking fee is an unavoidable part of this and I must point out before this "great sale" you could get the return leg part of this journey online for about €14.99 the outward journey price would vary but was never more than €26 single to Dublin. At the moment two day advance booking on both sides outward and return is €21.99 per train €43.98+ booking fee. It was never this expensive before the sale. So it is a sale where the prices have risen rather than falling. Today Thurles-Dublin online is €65.98 excl booking. €46 station Tomorrow it will be €43.98 excluding booking fee. My laser card was replaced so for me and a number of other people that's €3 booking fee on a Visa/MasterCard debit card. €46.98 They may not be breaking the law but the slogan Catch the best fares online is deceptive.

30-09-2012, 22:30	#6
Destructix Really Regular Poster Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Tipperary Posts: 258	They still increased the prices though and called it a sale. Thankfully I don't book online or pay full fare anymore since i got my student travel card.