Low-cost rail travel ‘complicated’

Britain’s complicated network of rail companies are fares makes it difficult to get hold of low-cost train tickets, an industry watchdog said this week.

London TravelWatch, which represents the interests of public transport users in the capital, said many long-distance travelers miss out on the best deals because they have to be booked weeks in advance.

“With long-distance fares, it is more of a problem in that you have to book ahead to get it,” said Jo deBank, London TravelWatch spokesperson.

“People don’t use them like airplanes and book two months ahead.

“There is no doubt about it that rail fares are complicated and it is not always easy to get the best deal.”

DeBank’s comments followed calls by the Liberal Democrats to make rail fares simpler and cheaper.

Research by the Lib Dems found a £10 fare could take passengers 10-miles or 163 miles, depending on where they were travelling and when they bought their ticket.

“Far too often, travelling by train is hugely expensive,” said Norman Baker, Lib Dems transport spokesperson.

“If more people are to be persuaded off the roads, they need to be offered an affordable and reliable service.

“Year-on-year inflation-busting rises are hitting passengers hard.”

A recent report by MPs on the Transport Select Committee warned rail fares have increased “out of all proportion” to the economic situation.