How One Man Saved Over ₹1 Lakh by Traveling for Free on Trains

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In today's fast-paced world, even with all the advancements we've made, when we need to travel long distances, we still often rely on trains. Trains are not only affordable but also quite comfortable. However, while many people travel by train, they don’t always buy tickets. Some individuals begin their journey without purchasing tickets, but there's a unique story that recently came to light: a person managed to travel on trains for an entire year without spending a single penny, saving nearly ₹1.06 lakh in the process. The surprising part? The railway system knew about it but couldn't do anything to stop him. After learning about this case, you might wonder how such a thing is possible and why the railway authorities didn’t take action. We're talking about Ed Wise, a resident of the UK, who used his intellect to find a way to travel for free on trains, leaving everyone amazed.

How Did He Benefit So Much?

Ed Wise, a 29-year-old personal finance writer, carefully studied train schedules and delay patterns to devise a strategy that would allow him to get refunds for his tickets. He discovered that trains often experience delays, and by booking his tickets in a certain way, he could take advantage of the refund policy. As a result, he managed to get back the money spent on all his journeys in 2023, and over the course of three years, he traveled without spending any money, saving a total of more than ₹1.06 lakh.

A Clever Use of the System

Ed Wise took advantage of a rule in the UK that offers refunds for train delays. If a train is delayed by 15 minutes, passengers receive a 25% refund; if it’s delayed by 30 minutes, the refund increases to 50%, and if the delay exceeds one hour, passengers get a full refund. By understanding this system and planning his journeys around delayed trains, Wise was able to ensure he received a full refund every time, allowing him to travel for free throughout the year.

A Story of Inspiration

Ed Wise’s story has become an inspiration for those looking to reduce their travel expenses. It shows that by understanding and taking advantage of the existing rules, one can save money and travel for free. His story emphasizes that if we take the time to understand the systems in place, we can find ways to save and make the most of our resources.