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Railcard train fare discounts will be reduced from this month by operators. The current advertised savings of one-third are given at a rate of 34% for those holding railcards, including for people aged 16-30 or over 60. However, from the middle of September, the discount will be trimmed to 33.4%. Although the effect on ticket prices will be small, a pro-rail group stated that the move was “a step in the wrong direction.” The discount cut has been enabled by an “easing of system limitations.” The changes will take effect from 15 September.
Railcards that will be affected include those for families travelling with children, those with a disability, and military veterans. An example of the impact on fares includes off-peak return prices from London to Manchester, which is available for railcard users at £72.55 on Sunday 15 September instead of the full price of £109. The same ticket price is reduced to £71.90 for Saturday 14 September. Anytime return fare increases for railcard holders include prices such as those from Cardiff to London, rising from £194.15 to £195.90, as well as from Birmingham to Manchester, increasing from £72.60 to £73.25.
In June, the National Rail Enquiries website updated its section on railcard discounts, removing references to 34%. Bruce Williamson, a member of lobby group Railfuture, commented, “While this represents a very tiny increase in fares for some passengers, it’s a step in the wrong direction.” Michael Solomon Williams of Campaign for Better Transport called for the introduction of fairer discounts in the north of England, similar to the ones already offered to passengers in the south.
A Railcard spokesperson commented that a railcard price has remained the same for over a decade and that a Railcard won’t cost more than £30 per year, providing customers with a third off their rail fare. The rail industry has been attempting to increase its fares income, which currently sits lower than pre-coronavirus levels. According to figures from the Office of Rail and Road, passenger revenue had reached £10.3bn at the end of March, whereas it was £12.7bn in 2019-20
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