Railways pledge “root and branch” reform of train fares
British rail firms have pledged to carry out "root and branch" reform of fares regulation, seeking out "long-standing anomalies" that push prices up for passengers.
The Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents rail firms, said about 55 million different fares exist in the current system, which meant commuters were not always offered the cheapest fares.
One of the anomalies the group pointed to was where it can be cheaper for passengers to buy several tickets for a single journey than one ticket.
Another highlighted was the charging of a peak-time fare when half a trip is on an off-peak service.
Announcing the review this morning, RDG said the system had not kept pace with technology "or how people work and travel today". It is launching a public consultation as part of the review, and said any changes would be cost neutral.
RDG's chief executive Paul Plummer said: “As part of the industrys plan for change, we want to work in partnership to drive root and branch reform of well-meaning but outdated fares regulation. Working together, we want to develop proposals to reform fares and regulation to make it easier for our customers to get the right ticket, enhancing trust in the system and supporting continued investment to improve the service.
“Unpicking the regulation of a £10bn-a-year fares system that underpins such a vital public service means there are no quick-and-easy solutions. The change thats needed wont be easy and the industry doesnt have all the answers, which is why we want to hear views from passengers, communities and businesses in all parts of the country.
“There have already been improvements and more are on the way but this consultation will enable us to create a clear roadmap with the country so that we can make the right changes for the long-term more quickly.”
However transport union RMT argued the review would not end the country's "great rail fare rip-off".
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "No one trusts Britain's rip-off private rail companies to do the right thing by passengers when it come to fares and ticketing.
"These are the same bunch of spivs who have hacked back on staffing levels and axed ticket offices in the name of profit.
"Until we get public ownership of our fragmented railways they will always be seen as a cash-cow by the private operators."
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