So-called 'simplification' of rail fares

davidwatkin

The so-called simplification of rail fares is nothing but a scam to put them up - effectively by huge percentages.
I normally travel by CrossCountry Trains from Birmingham New St to Stoke on Trent, leaving on the 0918 and returning at some point in the afternoon. This used to be a Cheap Day Return and cost £9.40.
Today, I discovered (after a lengthy exchange with the ticket seller, who didn't know what the rules were now) costs £11 but you can only travel after 0930 and have to return before 1515 or after 1830.
This is a hike of the fare of over 10%.
However, if I have to travel at the same times as before, the fare is now a Standard Day Return of £14.90, effectively an increase of over 50%.
It's also worth pointing out - which is not mentioned anywhere that I could see - that Season Tickets have also gone up - how's that for 'simplification'?

yorkie2

davidwatkin wrote: »

The so-called simplification of rail fares is nothing but a scam to put them up - effectively by huge percentages.
I normally travel by CrossCountry Trains from Birmingham New St to Stoke on Trent, leaving on the 0918 and returning at some point in the afternoon. This used to be a Cheap Day Return and cost £9.40.
Today, I discovered (after a lengthy exchange with the ticket seller, who didn't know what the rules were now) costs £11 but you can only travel after 0930 and have to return before 1515 or after 1830.
This is a hike of the fare of over 10%.
However, if I have to travel at the same times as before, the fare is now a Standard Day Return of £14.90, effectively an increase of over 50%.
It's also worth pointing out - which is not mentioned anywhere that I could see - that Season Tickets have also gone up - how's that for 'simplification'?

"Simplification" has not yet happened for 'walk on' fares. What has happened is XC have introduced draconian restrictions on existing fares.

The fare from Birmingham to Stoke-on-Trent is set by XC, so the CDR not valid until 0930.

But Birmingham to Stafford is priced by London Midland, the CDR is valid after 0900 and priced at £7.50. Not all trains between Birmingham and Stoke call at Stafford, but the 0918 does!

Stafford to Stoke is £5 standard day return.

TOTAL FARE = £12.50

Outward: any train after 0900 (must call at Stafford)
Return: ANY TRAIN (must call at Stafford)

HTH!