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The converse of the coin, recently I had to go from Accy to Glasgow, single I was driving back.
Purchased two days before online, must get ticket from ticket machine on Accy Station auto machine using the card that bought the ticket online.

Train 7.50 turned up 7.30 (just in case of problems).
accepted.


Input 16 digit number to machine from receipt.

Firmly placed card that had paid, input 4 digit security code. CONFIRMED.

Fumbled about inside slidey uppy downy plastic screen to retrieve ticket.

Ticket retrieved.

Train to Preston, no prob no-one checked ticket.

saw sign for virgin train help desk called in.

What is the number of my reserved seat please.

That sir is on your second ticket.

Second ticket? I only got one.

No sir you got two.

No, no I only got one I assure you.

Well sir in that case your first ticket is invalid without the second it says so here. He pointed to a space that could have contained the seat number and sure enough it did say I needed a second ticket.

Can you sort it for me? my train is due in 5 minutes,
sorry sir not on a weekend, come back Monday.

But I've paid my fare surely I can catch the train?

I can't stop you boarding the train sir, but, (deep intake of breath), if the ticket inspector on the train finds you without the second ticket in a seat not authorised for you, well...

Don't tell him you spoke to me.

I got on the train a carriage that had approx 60/70 seats, number of occupants?

Besides me, three including a dog.

From Preston up to Glasgow, I was offered food and drink from a trolly, lots of smiles but not once was I asked to produce my ticket plus the other ticket I didn't have.

Got off in Glasgow through the barrier (no check for ticket I had, or the one I didn't have).

A Celebratory coke for safe arrival, picked up the car and began the journey home, which went without anyone in the car asking to check my ticket either.