Contactless Off-Peak Times from Paddington to Reading
Can anyone clarify this for me? I always thought that the contactless off-peak fares ended at 4 PM, so you needed to tap in before then to benefit from the off-peak rate. However, the National Rail website suggests that the off-peak contactless fare applies to all trains running between 4 and 5 PM. Is there an error on the website?
Additionally, is the fare determined by the time I tap in? For instance, if I tap in at 3:59 PM, can I board any train and be charged the off-peak fare?
No, the website is correct! The off-peak fare for contactless travel from Paddington to Reading does indeed extend until 5pm. You can tap in at any point before 5pm and still travel during that hour without being charged a peak fare.
Regarding your second question, yes, the fare is based on the time you tap in. If you tap in at 3:59pm, you will be charged the off-peak fare, and you can take any train departing after that time. Just be cautious to check the specific service you’re boarding, as delays or changes in schedule can affect your journey. Happy traveling!