By Temporary sale on train tickets announced across the UK
Transport campaigners have welcomed a temporary sale on train tickets across the UK.
But they have further argued that costs should be cut even further.
The government’s “Great British Rail Sale” will see off-peak prices greatly discounted by as much as half.
It is reported that cheaper travel is on offer in April and May.
The Campaign for Better Transport said wider price increases are “driving people off the railway”.
From the BBC, “Passenger numbers on trains have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.
About 285 million rail passenger journeys were made in Britain in the last three months of 2021 – just 62% of the levels seen before coronavirus struck”.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said more than one million train tickets would be reduced this spring.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is hoping the move will help struggling households afford trips across the UK in an attempt to enhance the domestic tourism
According to reports the highest rise for 9 years came into force for rail travellers in England and Wales last month.
The sale is expected to bring some Manchester to Newcastle journeys down to a little over £10.
Reports suggest discounted tickets will go on sale from Tuesday, with passengers eligible to travel for less on off-peak fares between 25 April and 27 May.
Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, also said: “We want everyone to be able to benefit from travelling by train because it’s more than just a journey, it’s a way to connect everyone to the people, places, and things they love.”
Norman Baker, its chief executive’s adviser, and former transport minister said: “It can show the Treasury that the way to increase income is to cut fares, not keep ratcheting them up and driving people off the railway.”
“This initiative, though very welcome, is but a first step,” he added,
But Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said that in the meantime, the temporary move would provide little respite “to passengers who had thousands taken out of their pockets from soaring fares since 2010.”
