Last updated December 2023
Ferries Trains Planes Ltd (also referred to in this document as “FTPL”) - trading as TrainSplit - wishes to provide a notice about cookies and similar technologies deployed when you use our online services such as our website, app, content and features or otherwise engage with us online.
This notice provides information about the cookies and similar technologies we use and why we use them. It also explains how you can manage cookies and similar technologies.
What are cookies and similar technologies?
These are technologies that enable us to store information, or access information stored, on your device (such as your computer).
- Cookies are small text files sent to or accessed by your web browser which will enable you to navigate our online services and features. Cookies sit on your device and make themselves known to us when you access online services such as our website or app. We see how you as our returning user navigate our services on different occasions and what content you might be interested in.
- Pixels or tags are tiny graphics files that are downloaded when you interact with our online services. This will then alert us that you have clicked on content, opened our email or other action. These are typically used to capture interaction information and measure the relevance of our content.
- Tracking URLs are custom generated links that help us understand which page you come to us from and later go to.
- Local storage is used to more efficiently manage the temporary storage of information that allows you to access our services on your device.
- Digital fingerprint is used to recognise your device based on your device & browser data without relying on cookies.
Why do we use cookies and similar technologies?
Like most organisations with online presence, we use cookies and similar technologies to:
- provide our services which is not possible without certain essential cookies;
- remember functional details such as your settings and preferences to improve your experience, speed up your searches and recognise you when you return to our service;
- understand our online traffic through analytics tools;
To accomplish this, we will, in certain cases, also link information from cookies and similar technologies with personal data held about you.
Whose cookies and similar technologies are deployed in connection with my device?
We will deploy cookies and similar technologies ourselves. However, our services will also include cookies and similar technologies deployed by third parties.
For example, third party cookies will enable providers to find out how you used our services and combine that information with other third party information. Advertising cookies deployed by third party service providers remember your browsing activity and group together your interests which they know, observe or infer to send you personalised ads. Such personalisation is only possible because of profiling carried out with information collected through cookies and similar technologies. This may include your demographics, behaviour and preferences.
Acceptance
When you use our online services, essential cookies and similar technologies which are required to provide our services will be automatically set on your device.
Others will also be set if you accept cookies and similar technologies by selecting your choices in the cookie panel. As already mentioned, some cookies are provided by third parties and your acceptance of cookies will extend to such third parties.
This means, for example, that if you choose to accept “Analytics” cookies, it will constitute consent for Google to deploy its cookies which collect statistical information about how users including yourself interact with our online services.
How long are cookies used?
The lifespan of each cookie will depend on their purpose. We use both session and persistent cookies. Session cookies only last until you close your browser. Persistent cookies aren’t automatically deleted when you close your browser as their purpose is to recognise returning users.
Refusing cookies
You do not have to accept cookies (apart from the essential ones), but without accepting them the functionality of our services will be reduced. We operate a Consent Management Platform which helps us to comply with the cookies consent requirements. You can change your cookies preferences at any time by clicking “Manage Cookies” and mark your new choices.
While we try to ensure that your choices are fully respected, this may not always be possible, particularly where third parties are involved. For example, if you do not agree to “Social Media” cookies but you still interact with our Instagram plugin in our online services, Facebook may set certain essential and non-essential cookies outside our control. As explained in our privacy notice, you should read the privacy notice of our third parties such as Facebook for more detail.
For this reason, aside from relying on our cookie settings, please also consider:
- turning off the automatic download feature in your browser, as described at allaboutcookies.org;
- opting out from online interest-based advertising from companies that participate in opt-out programs through the Digital Advertising Alliance, the Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance, Appchoices or Network Advertising Initiative. We do not participate but some of our advertising partners may do; and
- opting out from third party services that deploy cookies and similar technologies, such as Google Analytics, by visiting www.google.com/settings/ads or by downloading the opt-out add-on at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
What happens if I disable cookies?
By disabling cookies, you may experience a reduced service or hinder our ability to improve your user experience based on statistical data. For example, opting out of Analytics cookies means that we can’t see clear patterns as to where in the booking flow a user might encounter resolvable usability issues.
Note that if you delete or clear cookies on your device, the next time you visit our website our cookie consent banner will reappear, and you will need to select your preferences again. Remember that if you change your settings to exclude cookies in your browser or device but later request services by interacting with our service features (e.g. you click on a social media plug-in on our website), this may override your browser or device settings.
List of cookies and similar technologies
Essential cookies
| Cookie name(s) | Category | Vendor | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
entrysid sc |
Error tracking | FTPL | Allows us to monitor application performance and errors, and assists with debugging |
Session 1 year |
| CookieBannerShown | Functional | FTPL | To track whether the cookie consent banner has been shown | 1 year |
| CookiesAccepted | Functional | FTPL | To track whether consent for optional cookies has been given or declined | 1 year |
| .AspNetCore.Cookies | Functional | FTPL | To keep track of the currently signed in user, for use with corporate clients | 7 days |
|
__stripe_mid __stripe_sid |
Functional | Stripe | Set for fraud prevention purposes, helping our payment processor (Stripe) to assess the likely level of risk associated with any particular transaction | 30 minutes |
entrysid, sc
CookieBannerShown
CookiesAccepted
.AspNetCore.Cookies
__stripe_mid, __stripe_sid
Essential non-cookie storage
| Storage name | Category | Vendor | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| localStorage | Functional | FTPL, Google |
Keys used:
|
Session |
| sessionStorage | Functional | FTPL |
Keys used:
|
Tab session |
| IndexedDB | Functional | Local database, contains metadata related to Firebase authentication - for user account management. | Persistent |
localStorage
- _grecaptcha: For storing the ReCaptcha token
- argon-mainstore: For storing information in use on the site, such as basket information, information about the currently authenticated user and disruptions affecting journeys
sessionStorage
- argon-mainstore: To store TrainSplit search parameters so that the journey planner can be pre-filled with the last search, along with search IDs and information about the layout on display.
IndexedDB
Optional cookies (opted out if 'Only essential cookies' is set)
| Cookie name(s) | Category | Vendor | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
_ga _gat _gid _utma |
Analytics | To store and count page views and other statistical data - Google Analytics | 2 years |
_ga, _gat, _gid, _utma
Glossary of Vendors
- Google - vendor used for Analytics