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When changing trains at Ealing Broadway between Elizabeth Line and Underground the platform validator is perfectly positioned to tap in or out.
However what would be a cross platform change at Reading, (e.g. from Elizabeth Line to the GWR Gatwick service) instead requires four trips on Reading’s massive escalators in order to pass through the ticket barrier then retrace one’s steps immediately.
Instead of installing a platform validator the procedure is enforced via warning messages when the Elizabeth Lione train arrives at Reading.
Presumably the station is GWR’s not TFL’s but this set-up seems needlessly frustrating for travellers such as a Disabled Railcard holder using a ticket/contactless combination.
Hi western,
You are right that the decision will be down to GWR at Reading, whereas at Ealing Broadway it is solely down to TfL. I’m a bit confused about why four trips on the escalators are necessary for one interchange, unless you’re adding together a return journey? Is there a quicker way to get between platform islands without going up to the ticket hall?
I guess the reason that GWR aren’t keen is that it might encourage ticketless travel from smaller country stations to Reading with just the bit between Reading and Paddington paid for.
You might get more luck raising the issue with your MP given that GWR will eventually be subsumed into Great British Railways under full control of the Department for Transport.
Thanks Mike.
At Reading the ticket halls are at ground level by the north and south station entrances. Only the lower numbered platforms (southern side) are accessible without using the overbridge (and only from the south entrance). Elizabeth Line uses northern platforms (13/14) so in the example above the four escalator journeys are up to the overbridge, down to the northern ticket barriers, back up to the overbridge and back down to the original platform 14/15 (which is adjacent to but not accessible from the north entrance).
If the Gatwick train departs from Platform 5 then yes it’s only 1 up 1 down.
And it appears it’s not GWR’s station, it’s Network Rail’s.
Hi again,
I think I now understand. The one time I went to Reading my recollection was that there were gates on the main overbridge, but you may well be right. It was a while ago now. Whilst Network Rail manage the station, GWR would be responsible for additional equipment, possibly in conjunction with the other operators using the station. It might get better when GBR has taken everyone over, but that’s not just yet.
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