In message , at 18:11:38
on Fri, 13 Jul 2012, Jim
remarked:
When buying rail tickets on line via whatever websites, is it possible to
specify 'Boundary Zone 6' as your start-point? I've never thought it
possible as I've never seen that as an option. Or does one just specify a
station in zone 6 to start from?

I think the logic is that it is not a BZ to/from wherever 'ticket'. It is a
BZ 'extension fare' used in conjunction with a ticket that you already
have in your possession.

An online site cannot determine if you already hold a suitable ticket to be
extended...

Why does that matter? They don't have the same problem selling any other
kind of half-a-split-ticket (or are they institutionally in denial that
split tickets are valid).

I have always bought online tickets from websites using the last station
in Z6 according to my journey, assuming the TOC allows it.

Never had a problem with Harold Wood, Elstree & Borehamwood, or
Upminster and fares have tallied with the Boundary Zone 6 fares.

If you can get a ticket from the last-station-in-Z6 that's as good as a
BZ6 ticket (if the train stops there). But might be more expensive.

For example a BZ6-Hinchley Wood is £2.50, which is the same as from
Surbiton. But I'm not sure that's always been the case.
--
Roland Perry