The UK is embarking on a consultation period, in order to simplify train fares, as apparently there are more fare combinations than grains of sand on the beaches of the world.
Not being cynical, but one conclusion is just to ban all fares, except for the most expensive ones. 
To reduce our Carbon footprints, should train use be encouraged by reducing fares or reducing people being penalised who may not be able to book until the last minute, perhaps due to unpredictable health conditions (booking early could waste their money, even if it was a cheaper ticket).
How would you simplify train fares? |
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Flat rate depending on mileage or zones covered. Reasonable fare too.
The train was reasonably cheap when i was in my 20s and used it to get away for many uk city breaks, fiver or tenner to london etc. Now it's extortionate. And I'd rather drive for them prices. |
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This will include Season Tickets too, so options of multiple journey purchasing, in order to save, would be included.
How would you consider influencing the train companies as a whole not to just remove ticket options (which could remove ways to save), so that they can finish the process declaring they've simplified fares and so done a great job? (End result of their likely choice: less ticket options but people would have to pay more  ) |
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"Flat rate depending on mileage or zones covered. Reasonable fare too.
The train was reasonably cheap when i was in my 20s and used it to get away for many uk city breaks, fiver or tenner to london etc. Now it's extortionate. And I'd rather drive for them prices. "
Mileage driven pricing is used in other countries: of course, if it was introduced, it might mean that some people currently paying what's the equivalent of a low per mile price would be faced with a big fare increase, when a national rate per mile is introduced.
It could be a maximum price per mile, for example. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Prices are insane, I'm from along the south-east coastline but I study at university in Wales and it costs me £110 for a return ticket when I want to go back home |
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"Prices are insane, I'm from along the south-east coastline but I study at university in Wales and it costs me £110 for a return ticket when I want to go back home"
Peak return fare between Manchester and London is over £300!!! Prices are insane |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Prices are insane, I'm from along the south-east coastline but I study at university in Wales and it costs me £110 for a return ticket when I want to go back home
Peak return fare between Manchester and London is over £300!!! Prices are insane "
It explains to my family why they hardly see me  |
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By *hyntravCouple
over a year ago
North Somerset |
I drive to Swansea regularly and would love to take the train. Unfortunately when it's just me with the babies it costs more than a the cost of petrol so the whole family going on the train is financially out of the question. Even if we could afford it due to having to change twice it can take 3 to 4 hours to get there instead of the under 2 it takes in the car.
The train would be far better for me and it would mean being able to spend time with my children but it's just not viable |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I drive to Swansea regularly and would love to take the train. Unfortunately when it's just me with the babies it costs more than a the cost of petrol so the whole family going on the train is financially out of the question. Even if we could afford it due to having to change twice it can take 3 to 4 hours to get there instead of the under 2 it takes in the car.
The train would be far better for me and it would mean being able to spend time with my children but it's just not viable "
Have you looked at Friends & Family railcards? They can slash the train costs. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I flew to Ireland for £12 not long ago , ridiculously cheap I know but recently looked at getting a train to London from here which was £55 one way for an hour and a half journey. Not sure of a solution but they’re certainly not going to get cheaper with the HS2 project and electrification of other lines underway |
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There was an item on one of the News programs this week about it. A reporter saved about £50 for buying split tickets, 5 outbound & 5 return, rather than a direct one, and he didn't even have to change trains. All well and good if you've got all day to spend trawling through each individual journey price I suppose..... |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"There was an item on one of the News programs this week about it. A reporter saved about £50 for buying split tickets, 5 outbound & 5 return, rather than a direct one, and he didn't even have to change trains. All well and good if you've got all day to spend trawling through each individual journey price I suppose....."
Martin Lewis has a ticket splitter tool on his website. 
Money Saving Expert. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"There was an item on one of the News programs this week about it. A reporter saved about £50 for buying split tickets, 5 outbound & 5 return, rather than a direct one, and he didn't even have to change trains. All well and good if you've got all day to spend trawling through each individual journey price I suppose.....
Martin Lewis has a ticket splitter tool on his website.
Money Saving Expert. "
The point is though surely that you shouldn't need to do this?! |
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By *emini ManMan
over a year ago
There and to the left a bit |
The problem started with privatisation of the railways which led to ticket prices being about profit and not convenience for the passengers and as long as that continues things will never change - especially when you couple it with yearly fare hikes while salaries stand still.
We have the most expensive rail costs in Europe by a large margin (largely due to government subsidies and non-privatisation in other European countries).
Unfortunately to address that difference would require massive amounts of money being diverted from other sources (that need it just as much) and re-nationalisation (which isn't going to happen) so can't see the situation changing any time soon. |
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