Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:

One person: GBP2.00
(Non amendable, non-refundable)
outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 

Two people: GBP16.00
(Non amendable, non-refundable)
outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 

Does the funfare system penalise you if you want to travel together?  Or is
it really the case that there's only one GBP1.00 ticket on both buses and
the next step up is GBP7.00 each way?  What are the fare steps usually like?
The journey planner is displaying 'from GBP1' for all direct buses on the
specific days - does that actually mean there's at least one 1 pound fare
still available on that bus?

If I were to book one return for 2 pounds, would there be a problem on
making a separate booking for the second person and seeing what the fares
were?  FWIW the full price for this journey is GBP16 each, so at GBP14 for
the second person there's really no saving.

Thanks
Theo

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!

On 05 Jun 2007 12:28:35 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Can anyone explain the fares I've been quoted for a funfare?  On the same
>bus, with the same endpoints, the NX planner quotes me:
>
>One person: GBP2.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP1.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP1.00 (funfare) 
>
>Two people: GBP16.00
>(Non amendable, non-refundable)
>outward fare: GBP8.00 (funfare)
>return fare: GBP8.00 (funfare) 
>

Could it be that there's only one £1 funfare available and the next
available one on that bus is £7 each way?

Cheeky  wrote:
> Could it be that there's only one ?1 funfare available and the next
> available one on that bus is ?7 each way?

Well, that's the obvious conclusion except:

The same happens for any other bus I pick that day (a Sunday).  For example
leaving at 06:00 and returning at 23:30 - hardly peak time buses.

The flexible price is 16 pounds - why would anyone want to pay 14 pounds for
an inflexible return?  The single price is 10 pounds, so 7 pounds is a
bit of a saving from that, I admit.

All the buses are saying 'from 1 pound' - I presume that means there are
actually seats available at that price?


Anyway, as an experiment (since it was only 2 quid) I've booked one funfare
for the journey.  The price has now gone up to 4 pounds each way - return
for two 10 pounds, not 16.  It now says 'from 4 pounds' on the timetable. 
So it seems there's only one seat available at the price of a pound. After
playing with prices for the 06:00 it has also caused the price for that to
go up to 4 pounds - maybe because it still thinks I'm in the checkout
process for one, or maybe because it measures the number of people checking
prices and adjusts them accordingly (I think Easyjet etc do this).

So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

Theo

Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.

I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.

Theo

On 06 Jun 2007 12:53:33 +0100 (BST), Theo Markettos
<theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:

>Theo Markettos <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk> wrote:
>> So: to avoid being overcharged book each funfare separately.
>
>I've now booked the second ticket, and it was 8 pounds return.  Total cost
>10 pounds, not 16 as originally quoted.
>
>Theo

I suppose that's the problem with yield managed fares on a 45 seater
coach compared to a 120 seater plane or 600 seater train.

I'm still amazed there's only one for a quid, though!