End of the Supersaver special weekend discount rail return
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The 90 different types of railway ticket now available will be reduced to six by the autumn in response to complaints from passengers, train companies announced yesterday.
The Association of Train Operating Companies said its plan aimed to ensure that all tickets fall into the following groups:
Buy any time/travel any time
Buy any time/some travel restrictions
Buy in advance/travel any time
Buy in advance/some travel restrictions
Multi-journey (season tickets)
Other/special.
The association's commercial services director, Philip Benham, said there was still more work to do in arriving at the right names for the new ticket categories, which would make them instantly recognisable to passengers and would be used throughout the rail network. "We are also investigating the best possible way to inform passengers of their benefits," he said. "We aim to have this new structure in place by September."
Sir Alastair Morton, chairman of the government's Shadow Strategic Rail Authority, said that his organisation had been talking to train companies for some time about the issue. "I welcome their positive announcement," he said. "They have addressed the desired objectives."
Less-complex fares and use of new technology, such as smart cards, were identified as important considerations in guidance to bidders for the current round of franchises, he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments