Manchester to Edinburgh price anomaly

[Par]

Looking to travel from Manchester to Edinburgh on Saturday January 11th.

Piccadilly dep 10.47 arriving Edinburgh 14.17 changing at Preston. Advance tickets with a Two Together Railcard.

Avanti will sell me these tickets for £33.00 but TPE want £34.30 for the identical ticket. I’m not including booking fees or postage in the above.

Not a deal breaker, but why the anomaly?

 

[Merseysider]

It seems TPE do not have access to the cheaper “Avanti&Northern” Advance fares and can only retail slightly more expensive “AWC&Connections” Advance fares instead.

 

[Par]

Thanks

“AWC & Connections” would suggest (although I know it’s not the case) that the Piccadilly to Preston leg could be with Northern or TPE.

I’ve already bought the ticket though through TPE (I’m returning from Edinburgh with them). Using one TPE’s services to Preston would suit me better although I am aware that I am tied to Northern and their tight 11 minute connection in Preston.

It is an excellent value ticket of course so no real complaints.

 

[Wallsendmag]

Could be that TPEs webtis doesn't have the route accepted, note to self check ours in the morning.