Will I save money with a flexible rail season ticket?

Flexi Season tickets go on sale on Monday.

Neil Lancefield
Monday 21 June 2021 02:45 BST
Passengers on a platform at Clapham Junction
Passengers on a platform at Clapham Junction (PA Archive)

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Flexible rail season tickets go on sale on Monday, but they will only save money for some passengers.

Here the PA news agency answers key questions about the new tickets.

– What do the tickets allow me to do?

The new Flexi Season allows unlimited travel between two stations on any eight days in a 28-day period.

– Who will benefit?

People who travel two or three days a week at peak times will save money using the tickets on certain routes.

– How much could I save?

The minimum discount for using a Flexi Season compared with a monthly ticket on the same route is 20%.

The Department for Transport says part-time commuters on certain routes will save hundreds of pounds a year.

– What if I only commute one day a week?

You will be better off buying daily tickets.

– How about four or five days a week?

An annual season ticket is likely to continue to be your cheapest option.

– How do I get one of these flexible tickets?

They are available on rail websites and apps, as well as at some station ticket offices.

– How are the tickets issued?

The new tickets are only available as either a smartcard or barcode ticket.

– How do I use them?

You must activate your pass on the day of travel by ‘touching in’ on a yellow reader on a gate, a platform validator, a ticket machine, or using the National Rail Smartcard app.

– Can I travel in first class?

No. Flex Season tickets are for standard class travel only.

– Are there further discounts for children?

The tickets are only sold at adult prices.

– I’ve bought one. When can I use it?

The new tickets can be used from June 28.

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