36 replies to this topic

[Ispolkom]

I have a question regarding earning AGR points. The way I'm reading it I would earn more points booking 2 one way tickets vs 1 round trip ticket - correct?

Only if the two one-way tickets cost more than the round trip ticket. You earn two points per dollar fare.

[gatelouse]

First post is incorrect. 200 points for a $36 roundtrip.

You get 100 points minimum per segment, whether it's part of a one-way, round-trip, or connecting itinerary. In other words, 100 point minimum per printed ticket in hand. Just like the airline frequent flyer programs that offer a set minimum of miles per flight. Some exceptions apply (e.g. four minimums per day). Some nice tricks as well (e.g. forced connections on corridors with frequent service).

[the_traveler]

Gatelouse is correct. You earn a minimum of 100 AGR points per segment, as long as each segment has a different train number!

Example #1): You travel from Flint, MI to Glenview, IL. Since the 2 trains you will take have different train numbers, you would earn 100 points per segment, or 200 points total for the one way trip!

Example #2): I can take a single train from BOS to KIN, this would earn my only 100 points.

Example #3): However, on the NEC train service is frequent, and I can but 1 ticket from BOS to PVD on one train, wait 1-2 hours and book another train from PVD to KIN - and earn 100 points per segment or 200 points total! And most times (although not guaranteed), the Conductor will take both tickets after I say I must get to KIN ASAP, I get to stay on that same train - and because the tickets show 2 train numbers, I earn 100 points per segment!

[OlympianHiawatha]

And keep in mind these little short 100 Point runs can turn into nice Points builders during Double or better yet Triple Points offers, but again the 4 segment per day rule applies. And short runs can satisfy that crave to ride the train, at least for a while.

[OlympianHiawatha]

And if I bought two tickets - one for me and one for my child (under 16) - would I then earn 400 points because we have two tickets each?

You would only earn 200 Points (assuming these are RT) since you can only earn Points for yourself.

[gatelouse]

But your child would earn 200 points as well!

[AlanB]

But your child would earn 200 points as well!

Only if the child is registered as a member.

[AlanB]

And most times (although not guaranteed), the Conductor will take both tickets after I say I must get to KIN ASAP, I get to stay on that same train - and because the tickets show 2 train numbers, I earn 100 points per segment!

That should not work, even if the conductor takes both tickets. The train number isn't scanned from the ticket. The train number is entered in when the entire batch of tickets from that conductor is scanned. So for example let's say you book train #172 for the first leg and #86 for the second leg. If the first ticket scanned just happens to be the ticket for #172, it will record as trains #172. If the ticket for train #86 scans first, it too will record for train #172, despite what's printed on the ticket. Therefore when the second of your tickets scans, it too will record train #172 and the system will kick that ticket out and record zero points since you're not allowed to be on the same train twice in one day for AGR points.

The train number printed on the tickets has nothing to do with the number that goes to AGR. The batch provides the train number.

[AlanB]

But your child would earn 200 points as well!

Only if the child is registered as a member.

Is there a way to transfer/combine the points? I know you can transfer points to other people but is there a cap on the amount you can transfer and/or a cost involved in doing so?

Yes, you can indeed transfer points from one account to another. The cost is a penny per point and I believe that the limit per calendar year is 100,000 points.

[the_traveler]

Not as far as I know. AU members have children who were/are 2 or 3 and are AGR members!

Edited by the_traveler, 12 March 2012 - 10:39 PM.

[the_traveler]

And most times (although not guaranteed), the Conductor will take both tickets after I say I must get to KIN ASAP, I get to stay on that same train - and because the tickets show 2 train numbers, I earn 100 points per segment!

That should not work, even if the conductor takes both tickets. The train number isn't scanned from the ticket. The train number is entered in when the entire batch of tickets from that conductor is scanned.

......

The train number printed on the tickets has nothing to do with the number that goes to AGR. The batch provides the train number.

But it has worked for me every time! (What have I started that will be not allowed now?)

[gatelouse]

When signing up a child, don't forget to refer the child through your account, which gets you a 500 point referral bonus along with a 500 point signup bonus for the child. It's a bit tricky since most websites, including AGR, don't allow online setup of childrens' accounts. But you can do a "quick enroll" and get a number with just a first and last name and email. If the child's email address used for the quick-enroll matches the address you entered for your referral, then you should be golden.

So you could be looking at 1400 points between the two of you: 200 rail points for you, 200 rail points for child, 500 referral bonus points for you, and 500 new member bonus for child.

Short trips with half-fare children are a great way to earn more points, especially when a double/triple points promotion is active.