Easier to buy rail tickets in the UK with implementation of new ticketing system

Buying retail tickets in the UK has just gotten a little bit easier.  Phase two of a project to simplify rail ticket purchases has just gone into effect.  When you buy a ticket on the day of your travel you will now only have two options to choose from.  One option will be an anytime ticket that can be used at any time of day and for any train you wish to board.  The second ticketing option is targeted for off peak hours.  This ticket can only be used at specified times in the day. 

The chief executive officer of Passenger Focus, Anthony Smith, said “Adopting common ticket names is a step in the right direction.  It does start to hack away at some of the complexity of the fares and the names and for the first time we’ve got all the train companies using the same names”.

Simon Calder who works as the travel editor said “We have a very complicated system of tickets in the UK – what they have done is change the labels to try and end the confusion.”

“The label changes happening today may make life much easier for passengers but if you want to travel long-distance you are going to have to book a long time in advance and travel on a quiet train.”

While most people seem to welcome the new plan it is agreed that further things need to be done to improve the rail system. 

www.passengerfocus.org.uk