You are here: Home - Household Bills - News -

New rail tickets launched for part-time commuters

0
Written by:
21/06/2021
New flexible rail tickets go on sale today aimed at passengers who commute two or three days a week.

The paperless tickets will allow travel on any eight days in a 28-day period.

They are on sale from today, for use from Monday 28 June.

The new tickets form part of the government’s plan to transform UK railways. As part of the shake-up, a publicly owned body, Great British Railways, will be formed to centralise operations, bringing track and trains under the control of one body. The government will collect fares and operators will be paid a fee to run services.

The Department for Transport says the new flexible tickets could save commuters hundreds of pounds.

For example, it says someone commuting from Woking to London two days a week could save more than £260, while a 3-day-a-week commuter, travelling from Chelmsford to Stratford could save as much as £350.

Commuters can visit an online ‘season ticket calculator’, which will point them to the best tickets for their journey.

Passengers will be able to tap smartcards or scan mobiles at the station with no need to select the days of travel in advance.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Our railways work best when they are reliable, rapid and affordable.

“As we kickstart the biggest reforms to our railways in a generation, flexible season tickets are the first step. They give us greater freedom and choice about how we travel, simpler ticketing and a fairer fare.”

Matthew Fell, chief UK policy director, at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said: “CBI members have told us that hybrid working is likely to be the long-term norm for many firms, with employees splitting their week between home and onsite working.

“It is, therefore, essential that public transport networks reflect these new habits.”

Train companies will also offer a ‘book with confidence guarantee’ until the end of the year, allowing people to rebook journeys or receive rail vouchers without an admin fee if their plans change.

Anthony Smith, chief executive of independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: “Some passengers will welcome today’s new flexible tickets and discounts. This will be useful in helping people choose rail again.

“Our research with passengers showed us there was strong demand for a new ticket that suited people who expected to commute less frequently in future. This is a positive step towards much-needed longer-term reform of how rail tickets are sold.

“We also welcome the waiving of admin fees for changing tickets, which will help rebuild passenger confidence.”

 

There are 0 Comment(s)

If you wish to comment without signing in, click your cursor in the top box and tick the 'Sign in as a guest' box at the bottom.

Everything you wanted to know about ISAs…but were afraid to ask

The new tax year is less than a fortnight away and for ISA savers or investors, it’s hugely important. If yo...

Your right to a refund if travel is affected by train strikes

There have been a wave of train strikes in the past six months, and for anyone travelling today Friday 3 Febru...

Could you save money with a social broadband tariff?

Two-thirds of low-income households are unaware they could be saving on broadband, according to Uswitch.

What will happen if rates change

How your finances will be impacted by a rise in interest rates.

Regular Savings Calculator

Small regular contributions can build up nicely over time.

Online Savings Calculator

Work out how your online savings can build over time.

DIY investors: 10 common mistakes to avoid

For those without the help and experience of an adviser, here are 10 common DIY investor mistakes to avoid.

Mortgage down-valuations: Tips to avoid pulling out of a house sale

Down-valuations are on the rise. So, what does it mean for home buyers, and what can you do?

Five tips for surviving a bear market mauling

The S&P 500 has slipped into bear market territory and for UK investors, the FTSE 250 is also on the edge. Her...

Money Tips of the Week