Railway discounts to be cut by operators

Starting this Sunday (15 September), railway discounts offered to train users will be reduced from 34% to 33.4%, according to reports. Although the decrease may seem minimal, pro-rail advocacy groups have criticised it as a “step in the wrong direction”.

The reduction will affect various groups of rail travellers, including those aged 16 to 30, senior citizens over 60, individuals with disabilities, families travelling with children, and military veterans.

Bruce Williamson of the lobby group Railfuture, which campaigns for a bigger and better railway, said:

“Whilst this represents a very tiny increase in fares for some passengers, it’s a step in the wrong direction. As the slogan goes, every little helps, so why risk irritating passengers for a few pence?”

A spokesperson for the Aslef train drivers’ union said that people need to be encouraged to travel by rail, not deterred.

“This idea, by the privateers trying to gouge a little more out of passengers before Britain’s railways are brought back into public ownership, shouldn’t have left the station”.

Defending the move, a spokesperson for Railcard, the organisation which manages the discount cards on behalf of train operators, said:

“The cost of a railcard hasn’t increased for over 10 years and will continue to provide customers with a third off their rail fare for just £30 a year – a cost that can be made back in just one or two journeys”.

What is the government’s position on railway reform and ticket prices?

In the King’s Speech in July, the Labour government outlined plans to renationalise railways, aiming to reverse the privatisation that began in the 1990s, and confirmed plans to establish Great British Railways (GBR). The government has not guaranteed lower fares, but has promised a ‘best fare guarantee’ to make sure people are always paying the lowest fare for their journey. It has also promised its reforms would make buying cheaper tickets simpler.

What railcards are available?

There are nine main types of railcard available.

• 16 – 17 Saver
• 16 – 25 Railcard
• 26 – 30 Railcard
• disabled persons railcard
• amily & friends railcard
• etwork railcard
• senior railcard
• two together railcard
• veterans railcard

How much do railcards cost?

All railcards cost £30 for a year’s travel, except the disabled persons railcard which costs £20 for a year.