Campaigners Urge Government to Cap On-the-Day British Rail Fares Amid Concerns Over High Costs
Transport charity calls for price caps on long-distance rail fares, citing research that shows cost is a key barrier to train travel for many Britons.
Transport campaigners in the UK are calling on the government to introduce a cap on on-the-day intercity rail fares, following research showing that nearly half of British travellers avoid train travel due to high costs.
The Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) found that 44% of survey respondents identified train travel as too expensive, with a significant proportion of the population opting to drive instead due to the financial burden of rail fares.
The CBT argues that the government should prioritise implementing a price cap specifically for long-distance, on-the-day fares.
According to their research, 71% of respondents stated they would travel more by train if fares were reduced.
The charity pointed out that although cheaper advance tickets are available, the current fare system penalises passengers who require flexible tickets or are unable to plan travel in advance.
The cost of a standard single from London to Edinburgh, for example, is expected to exceed £200 next month due to a planned 4.6% increase in rail fares.
Other popular routes also face steep prices, with tickets from Edinburgh to London King’s Cross priced at £199.60, and tickets from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston reaching £184.70.
While train operators maintain that cheaper tickets are available for flexible travellers, the CBT report highlights that high pricing for popular services impacts those on lower incomes who are particularly disadvantaged when travel must be arranged at short notice.
The report suggests that capping fares could help eliminate the vast discrepancy between the lowest and highest prices and provide more affordability for passengers.
Additionally, the report calls for a simpler, more transparent ticketing system.
The creation of Great British Railways (GBR), the new public sector body to oversee Britain’s rail system, offers an opportunity for fare reform and the development of a more equitable pricing structure.
A spokesperson from the Department for Transport responded, stating that they are committed to overhauling the railways, including simplifying the fare system to make it easier for passengers to navigate.
The spokesperson also pointed out that some fare types are already among the cheapest in Europe when booked in advance, but acknowledged the need for continued reforms to improve clarity for travellers.
The Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) found that 44% of survey respondents identified train travel as too expensive, with a significant proportion of the population opting to drive instead due to the financial burden of rail fares.
The CBT argues that the government should prioritise implementing a price cap specifically for long-distance, on-the-day fares.
According to their research, 71% of respondents stated they would travel more by train if fares were reduced.
The charity pointed out that although cheaper advance tickets are available, the current fare system penalises passengers who require flexible tickets or are unable to plan travel in advance.
The cost of a standard single from London to Edinburgh, for example, is expected to exceed £200 next month due to a planned 4.6% increase in rail fares.
Other popular routes also face steep prices, with tickets from Edinburgh to London King’s Cross priced at £199.60, and tickets from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston reaching £184.70.
While train operators maintain that cheaper tickets are available for flexible travellers, the CBT report highlights that high pricing for popular services impacts those on lower incomes who are particularly disadvantaged when travel must be arranged at short notice.
The report suggests that capping fares could help eliminate the vast discrepancy between the lowest and highest prices and provide more affordability for passengers.
Additionally, the report calls for a simpler, more transparent ticketing system.
The creation of Great British Railways (GBR), the new public sector body to oversee Britain’s rail system, offers an opportunity for fare reform and the development of a more equitable pricing structure.
A spokesperson from the Department for Transport responded, stating that they are committed to overhauling the railways, including simplifying the fare system to make it easier for passengers to navigate.
The spokesperson also pointed out that some fare types are already among the cheapest in Europe when booked in advance, but acknowledged the need for continued reforms to improve clarity for travellers.
