Contactless Off-Peak Times from Paddington to Reading
Can anyone help clarify this for me? I used to think that the contactless off-peak fare ended at 4 PM, meaning you needed to tap in before then to qualify for the reduced rate. However, the National Rail website mentions that off-peak contactless fares apply for all trains between 4 PM 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 still be charged an off-peak fare?
You’re correct that there can be some confusion around contactless fares and off-peak times! To clarify, off-peak travel for contactless payments generally extends beyond 4pm on many routes, including from Paddington to Reading. So if the National Rail website states that off-peak fares apply to trains from 4-5pm, it is accurate.
As for your second question, yes, the fare is typically calculated based on the time you tap in. If you tap in at 3:59pm, you will be charged the off-peak fare for your journey, even if your train departs after 4pm. Just make sure you tap in before the peak period starts, and you should be all set for your journey!