I was involved in an interesting Connex train ticket situation today. I bought a Zone 1 two hour ticket, and my plans changed at short notice requiring me to step foot into Zone 2 territory.
So I plodded along to Melbourne Central Station, and asked if I could buy an isolated Zone 2 ticket. This way, I could “combine” the tickets in case the vicious inspectors come along on the train. The answer was “No”. So my only (economical) option was to get off at the margins of Zone 1, purchase an isolated Zone 2 ticket and continue my travel. Yes, I would have to wait for another train. Or the more expensive option was to buy a Zone 1 + 2 ticket again.
I am a bit bewildered by this experience. Essentially if your situation changes after buying your ticket, Connex (or MetLink) doesn’t make it easy for you.
Here is my question: Why can’t the ticket counter at stations issue isolated tickets for people in my situation? The counter guy didn’t really explain why he couldn’t issue me a Zone 2 ticket. My hypothesis is that the machines do not allow this to be done.
I just thought it would have been so much easier if he just issued me with a Zone 2 ticket. My rant over!
