I am trying to take a late afternoon train from Oban to Glasgow on a Sunday in October. Not sure what I’m doing wrong or maybe it’s too early to book? Any suggestions would be great. Thanks
Posted by
Lake District, England
8127 posts
On 20 and 27 October there is engineering work so it is a rail replacement bus to Crianlarich for the train onward, at 1535 and 1805.
On 6 and 13 October Scotrail are running a reduced service due to industrial action- first train of the day at 1605, then 1704 and 1805 (last train).
However there is currently a ballot for an improved pay offer- that closes on 25 September. The hope is that the reduced timetable will be replaced with the normal timetable thereafter if the pay offer is accepted.
Given the uncertainty I would wait until after 25 September to book- the trains cannot sell out so there is nothing to lose, even though tickets are now available for sale, including on the 1211 train which may or may not run, depending on the ballot.
Posted by
OP
54 posts
Thanks isn31c . Always good advice.
Posted by
Lake District, England
8127 posts
The Industrial action has now been called off. However on 6 October the 1211 train remains cancelled so the 1605 will be the first train out unless they can reinstate it during this week.
On 13 October notice that on the 1605 from Oban there are Advance split tickets on the Scotrail website for £21, as opposed to the £32.20 on the other trains. You change tickets, but not trains at Dalmuir.
That £21.50 is less than the £24 for a through advance fare on any other train company website, such as LNER.
Dalmuir is an unusual split point.
On 20 and 27 October, unusually where a rail replacement bus is running, Advance train specific fares are available for £16.20- half the flexible fare.
So in this case patience has rewarded you.