Passengers in Wales forced to book in advance or face rail fare hikes up to 34%

09.05.2007

Cardiff Central 

The announcement by Arriva Trains Wales to abolish Super Saver fares from 20 May was criticised today by Passenger Focus, the independent national rail watchdog.

Stella Mair Thomas, Passenger Focus board member for Wales, said; “This is bad news for rail passengers. The majority of passengers want to turn up on the day of travel and go. This announcement from Arriva Trains Wales means that from 20 May passengers who do not book in advance are effectively facing up to a 34% rise in ticket prices. This move further erodes the ability to arrive at the station and buy a ticket for immediate travel.

“Before putting up fares Arriva Trains Wales should ensure they collect all the fares that are due to them. We recently carried out a mystery shopping exercise and 25% of our researchers were unable to buy a ticket either because there were no facilities at the station, or they couldn’t find a guard on board the train to sell them one.

“Today’s announcement is also a blow for those trying to beat the fare rises by buying now for travel after 20 May, as they will find prices have already gone up, in contravention of the industry’s own rules.”

“Additionally the move to scrap SuperSaver fares comes without any passenger consultation.”

ends

Notes to editors

Please find below some examples of price differences:

Journey

 

Super Saver
Return (£)
Saver Return (£)
Percentage difference
Carmarthen – Llandudno Junction
66.40
82.70
24.55%
Holyhead - Bridgend
68.80
86.00
25%
Blaenau Ffestiniog - Porth
65.90
83.00
25.9%
Rhyl – Welshpool
25.50
32.50
27.45%
Swansea - Aberystwyth
45.80
53.50
16.81%
Machynlleth - Flint
28.00
35.40
26.43%
Tenby - Pontypool
29.40
37.20
26.53%
Bangor – Bridgend
63.50
80.40
26.61%
Bangor – Abergavenny (via Hereford)
49.50
66.20
34%
Bangor – Abergavenny (via Newport)
58.70
78.70
34%


1. Passenger Focus is the official, independent consumer organisation representing the interests of rail users nationally. Created by the Railways Act 2005, Passenger Focus is the operating name of the Rail Passengers Council. It is a body corporate, executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Transport. We’ll do this by:
- providing authoritative advice for the industry based on sound research
- securing improvements to rail services – both big and small-scale improvements
- helping passengers with advice and information
- campaigning for change and acting on passenger complaints

2. Media enquiries regarding this release should be addressed to:
Jane Cobell
Press officer
0870 336 6021/07918 626 045
jane.cobell@passengerfocus.org.uk

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