Rail tickets- can they be used in a barrier twice?

[redstu]

Recently I have been travelling by train more than ever before.

Mostly a pleasant experience and almost always on time.

I have been buying an open return for the flexibility.

However my last journey was two weeks ago when the last named storm created some problems on the network.

The train was cancelled after I had passed through the barrier , then the following train was delayed for a further hour or so, not a huge delay and it didn't bother me as it was the homeward journey.

However the platform side of the barriers at Leeds station is not particularly welcoming and I ended up standing around the coffee area over the lines.

There are various cafes and bars in or close to the station which make a far better place to spend an extra hour or so.

So if I had left through the barriers would the ticket have allowed me to re-enter?

I suppose I could probably ask one of the staff to help if access was denied, however finding one at the appropriate time wouldn't be guaranteed.

[randlemarcus]

There's generally someone around to let me back and forth for cigarettes, but given the age of the barrier system, i would be astonished if it was capable of much more than "ticket, magstripe says to somewhere else". They can't invalidate, in case you need to go through another set further down the journey.

[MitchT]

I use Leeds a lot but I've never found myself in that precise situation. I guess the only way to find out is to try it. Worse that could happen is that you have to show one of the attendants your ticket and ask them to let you through.

[bigandclever]

The ticket, no. A person, yes.

[sim72]

I regularly do a journey which sometimes leaves me a bit of a wait at Birmingham New St, so I sometimes nip out to the Victoria pub round the corner for a quick pint. The barrier always gives me my ticket back with no problems. In fact, I don't think I can remember ever having an overground railway barrier ever taking my ticket completely even at journey's end. The tube used to do it, though I don't know if it still does.

[Gavia]

The barriers capture the ticket if it's the end of the journey, so if you put it in the barrier you wouldn't have anything to get you back to the platform side.

There is always someone manning the gates, so just ask them to let through.

[caelite]

No, they don't. Myself and a former flatmate may have shared a return ticket for several months commuting into Glasgow at different times of day. .

Although the systems used might vary from place to place, the scanners in Glasgow Queen Street always accepted used tickets. You just had to make sure the ticket you bought didn't terminate in the station you are in or the barrier would swallow it.

[Chrisgr31]

With a season ticket the ticket remains you going through the barrier for a short while so it won't let you repass, not sure how long its for though. Going out the station for a coffee or beer is probably long enough

[roofer]

Pffft, you lot have it easy ! Try the TFL Nazi's !

Train delayed, i just advise the wallah on the gate i'm off for a fag ! (Snout)

[Nickyboy]

If it's not your final destination then yes it will let you through and back or at least it won't swallow it. I did this at Reading the other day on a trip to London, had 15 mins betweens trains, toilets etc are behind the barriers if you are on the front platforms

[ED209]

I am fairly sure that if the barriers are closed then there will always be staff there. Certainly on the Tyne & Wear metro this is the case, can't imagine it being any different on the main line.

[Vaud]

Yes. I use Leeds... and often pick up dinner from M&S on the way home from London before getting on a branch line home.

You can exit through the barriers. It will decline your ticket on the way back in. Just go through the far left barrier that is staffed and say you went shopping.

I've not had an issue in 10 years.

[redstu]

Thanks for the replies. Seems not all stations are alike, but I should get my ticket back which is the main thing.

[Vaud]

redstu said:

Thanks for the replies. Seems not all stations are alike, but I should get my ticket back which is the main thing.

To completely derisk it, you could just walk through the barrier that is manned - people with passes, big luggage us it. Then you always have your ticket in your hand. But it if is a ticket booked to an onward station, the barrier shouldn't seize it.