(08 Sep 2015, 11:17 am)MurdnunoC wrote Your screenshot actually alludes to Network One passes (including Day Rovers) as it states 'The Only One (big clue here!) For Unlimited Travel On Any Bus, Metro, Train And Ferry* Across Tyne And Wear!'. Now, as we all aware, the scope of the Explorer ticket extends beyond Tyne and Wear encompassing much of the north east. Therefore, if the text applies specifically to Explorer tickets, it should read something along the lines of 'The Only One for Unlimited Travel on Any Bus, Metro or Ferry in the North East* and trains between Metrocentre and Sunderland'.
If you look to the right of the explorer page (as well as the actual leaflet), the literature clearly states the ticket is valid on trains between Newcastle and Sunderland only. Aside from the website, where generic Network One advertising, terms and conditions are stated, the leaflet does not include 'The Only One (once again, big clue here!) For Unlimited Travel On Any Bus, Metro, Train And Ferry* Across Tyne And Wear!' statement.
http://www.networkonetickets.co.uk/docum...t_2015.pdf
It's worth noting that the leaflet was updated as of August 2015!
As I've said, I've travelled between Sunderland and Metrocentre on an Explorer without being challenged. However, the guards initial judgement was probably the correct one in your case. May I suggest printing, or obtaining a copy of the leaflet and see what the guard does when the leaflet is produced. My guess is, you'll have to pay the fare!
I've travelled on the Explorer many times between Metro Centre and Newcastle/Heworth and I never get challenged, I always check with the guard at the rear of the train before boarding. He was at the other end with the ramp and the train was due to depart anyway. I've noticed that the writing on the screenshot is on all pages, so that means that all Network One tickets are valid upto Metro Centre/Blaydon (ones that are valid on rail).
There's also the chance that "Newcastle to Sunderland" is used for clarity, as everytime I ask Northern Customer Services if x ticket is valid to Metro Centre, they say yes. If it wasn't then Network One shouldn't be showing that on the bottom of the Explorer page, even if it is carried on all pages.
In relation to it being updated in August, would that not just be the new design...?
The booklet that I saw the guard reading when he went to check was what looked like a company-issued booklet. If I haven't got a fine/full return it must be valid to Metro Centre/Blaydon...?