Call for review of rail zones after complaints

There has been a rise in complaints from commuters who believe they are paying too much following the Government's decision to introduce zonal pricing for rail journeys.

Zonal pricing for single and day return fares was introduced at the start of this year, increasing the price of some tickets by up to 35 per cent.

Campaigners fear the cost of an annual or monthly pass will rise by the same rate when zonal pricing for season tickets is introduced in 2010.

The current zones were drawn up in 1983 but their shape dates back much further.

Zone 1, the inner zone, is based on the Circle line, which was built in the 19th century, and zone 5 follows the outer edge of the old Greater London Council boundary.

Falling on the wrong side of a zone boundary could increase the price of a season ticket by up to £400 a year but in some places the zones are much closer together than others.

Among the anomalies is Surbiton station, used by five million passengers a year, which is in zone 6 despite being only 12 miles from Waterloo. At least 28 stations in the cheaper zone 5 are actually farther from central London.

Edgware passengers have fought to be moved from zone 5 into zone 4 because they are so close to London.

Epsom, Hinchley Wood, Claygate, Esher, Ashford, Potters Bar, Cuffley, Theobalds Grove, Cheshunt and Waltham Cross stations are all in areas that the consumer group London Travelwatch believes should be in zone 6.

In the new year, Hampstead Heath and Willesden Junction will be redesignated from zone 3 to zone 2 following complaints.

LSE transport economist Tim Leunig, who studied the zoning, believes a review is overdue. "The rings were squeezed to fit into the same shape as the old GLC boundary," he said.

"They are close together in some places, which means fares rise quicker, but elsewhere they are far apart and passengers can travel longer for the same price."

A review is being promised by Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate Brian Paddick, who said one of his first acts if elected would be to redraw zone boundaries to make fares match distance travelled more closely. He said: "The entire rail ticketing system needs reviewing. Many commuters are paying over the odds."

Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat MP, for Kingston and Surbiton, said passengers in his constituency faced a £400 hike in the cost of a season ticket. "The zones are arbitrary and outdated and my constituents are losing out very badly as a result," he said. "A thorough review of the zonal map is long overdue and a very sensible idea."

A Transport for London spokesman said: "Our zonal boundaries are set up to provide a simple and fair framework for setting distancebased ticket prices.

"We will always consider reasonable proposals from residents and the zoning of stations has been adjusted where appropriate."