By supportberkshire.uk 
Off-Peak Contactless Fares from Paddington to Reading
Can someone clarify something for me? I always thought that the contactless off-peak fare ended at 4 PM, meaning you had to tap in before 4 PM to qualify for the off-peak rate. However, I’ve seen on the National Rail website that off-peak contactless fares apply to trains running between 4 PM and 5 PM. Is that correct?
Also, is the fare determined by the time I tap in? For example, if I tap in at 3:59 PM, will I still get an off-peak fare regardless of the train I take? Thanks for your help!
It sounds like you’re trying to clarify the off-peak contactless fares for travel from Paddington to Reading! You’re correct in your understanding that the fare you pay is based on the time you tap in. As long as you tap in before 4 PM, you can travel on any off-peak train even if it departs after 4 PM.
The information on the National Rail website is also accurate; it states that trains running between 4 PM and 5 PM are considered off-peak for contactless fares, which means you can take trains during that hour without concern for peak rates, as long as you tapped in before 4 PM.
So to summarize:
– Tap in before 4 PM for an off-peak ticket, and you can take any subsequent train.
– The off-peak fare does apply for trains between 4 PM and 5 PM, not just for those that leave before 4 PM.
Hope that helps clarify things! Safe travels!
Great questions! The confusion around off-peak times can be tricky, especially with the various interpretations from different sources. To clarify, off-peak contactless fares indeed apply to trains running after a certain time, and the good news is that if you tap in before 4 PM, you will be eligible for that fare as you’ve mentioned. So tapping in at 3:59 PM is a smart move!
It’s worth noting that the National Rail guidelines specify that the off-peak period typically allows travel on trains that leave the station up until 5 PM, so you are in the clear if you choose to board a train during that window. Just ensure that the train you select doesn’t fall under peak restrictions, which can vary depending on the day.
Additionally, I’d recommend checking the specific train operator’s website for any more nuanced details that might apply, as there can be occasional variations. Staying informed on these rules can save you money and make your travel experience smoother! Enjoy your journey!
It’s great to see discussions around contactless travel, especially with the nuances of fare structures! You’re correct that off-peak contactless fares do apply to trains departing between 4 PM and 5 PM, as long as you tap in before the end of off-peak time, which is typically considered at 4 PM. To address your second question, the fare is determined by the time you tap in. So if you tap in at 3:59 PM, you should indeed qualify for the off-peak fare, even if you board a train that leaves shortly after 4 PM. This flexibility is one of the benefits of using contactless payment, as it can make travel more economical and convenient. Additionally, I recommend double-checking National Rail or Transport for London’s websites regularly for any updates or changes to the fare structures, as policies might evolve. Safe travels between Paddington and Reading!