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New train ticketing 'could be used to sneak in fare rises'
Dick Murray, Transport Editor8 Sep 2008
A new train ticketing system was condemned today for not going far enough in keeping prices down.
And there are fears that some operators may try to "sneak through" fare increases by scrapping or not publicising cheap deals.
Tickets for on-the-day travel are now split into two categories: Anytime and off-peak.
Stephen Joseph, executive director for the watchdog Campaign for Better Transport, said: "This will not solve the fundamental problem - the Anytime tickets are still too expensive compared with advance tickets.
"If we are serious about reducing carbon emissions then we need to make green travel cheaper. As it is, rail travel is getting more and more expensive."
He called on ministers to reverse the White Paper last year that stated travellers would be forced to pay tens of millions of pounds more to subsidise the railways - up from a 50 per cent share to 75 per cent.
The Government argues that costs should be borne by those who use the railways rather than the general taxpayer.
The Evening Standard revealed last month that many London commuter fares will rocket by 10 per cent - double the rate of inflation - when the new rates come into force in January.
Further inflation-busting year-on-year rises are also in the pipeline. The "newlook"-ticketing system - announced by the Association of Train Operating Companies in conjunction with the operators - is much the same as the existing one, but with a different name.
There will still be a range of advance and other, often highly complex, tickets available.
Watchdog Passenger Focus gave a cautious welcome to the system. Chief executive Anthony Smith called it a step in the right direction, but added: "Fare simplification was intended to standardise names and make it easier for passengers to buy the right ticket for them.
"Unfortunately some train operators have used this as an opportunity to bring in back-door fare increases which include new restrictions on certain tickets."
Anytime tickets may be used on any train at any time without restriction. Off-Peak tickets are for less busy periods.
In the first phase of simplification in May, Advanced tickets for specific single train journeys took in a range of advanced offers, including Leisure Advance, Value Advance and Apex.
Ticket types falling into the Anytime category include Open Singles and Open Returns.
An ATOC spokesman said: "There will be no change in fares in London and the South-East as a result of this."
Reader views (1)
Would Stephen Joseph like to visit Paddington Station before hyping trains as green transport?
The diesel smog there is sometimes quite appalling, a danger to the health of staff, commuters and tourists alike.
Campaign For Better Transport isn't by any chance funded by train companies or rail unions, is it?
- Jools, London, 08/09/2008 15:24
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