Government announces changes to rail ticket prices

The Government will bring in new measures to cut the cost of rail travel for commuters.

The measures would limit the rail industry’s powers to increase rail fares as well as ensuring the sale of tickets was more flexible and more easily understood so that customers can get the best price.

The move comes from Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin’s Fares and Ticketing Review, which lays out the Government’s plans for the Rail Networks.

Patrick McLoughlin said:“By capping fares we are protecting passengers from large rises at a time when family incomes are already being squeezed. We will need to wait for the rail industry to calculate individual ticket prices for next year, but this cap could save some commuters as much as £200 a year.

“Alongside this, the Government is investing over £16bn to transform our rail network, which will make sure we can respond to increasing passenger demand and drive forward economic growth that will help strengthen our economy.”

The review also includes measures to institute a code of conduct for train companies on how they sell tickets to make consumer choice easier.

This will be brought in with a market review into the sale of tickets, a tightening of rules on ticket office opening times and an annual survey of customers to provide feedback on all aspects of ticket sales.

The government also plans to introduce more oyster card style ‘touch in – touch out’ rail tickets across the network planning to pilot a system in the South East next year. This system will allow for a discount on seasonal travel for people who work part time.

The Campaign for Better Transport were among consumer groups, rail unions and opposition politicians to criticise the plans. Stephen Joseph, Campaign for Better Transport’s chief executive, said:

“Although we welcome a curb on even higher fare increases, there's still a gaping hole at the centre of the Government's fares policy. Whilst trials for things like part-time season tickets are very welcome, the biggest issue has always been annual above inflation fare increases and there is no change of policy on this. This is bitter news for everyone who relies on the train to get to work, not least the large number of commuters in marginal constituencies who will be a key group at the next election."

Train company, First Great Western welcomed the news. A spokesperson said: "The potential to extend electronic ticketing, allowing customers to travel with greater ease and flexibility, is particularly welcome and will allow us to build on our recent launch of mobile ticketing.

"Regulated fare increases are and remain a matter for Government policy, to which we are happy to comply. We aim to continue to provide a wide range of ticket options, reflecting the diverse needs of our customers. These include our great value advance fares, offering travel as much as 75% off the cost of Anytime tickets."