Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Passengers are struggling with confusing train ticketing systems that feel like they are trying to trap them, leading to mistaken fare evasions and criminal prosecutions. Train companies have complex rules and restrictions that customers might not be aware of when they buy tickets, leading to cases where people end up paying hundreds of pounds in fines and potentially having a criminal record. Anytime fares that are only valid at certain times of day and tickets that are only valid if you travel via a particular station are just some of the many difficulties customers might encounter. Train companies say that passengers should check the rules and regulations, which are freely available, but those who believe this information is not clear enough argue for change.
The government agrees and promises “the biggest overhaul of our railways in a generation, including simplifying fares”. Among the options the government is considering are pay as you go and digital season tickets that can be used across the rail network. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has outlined the creation of Great British Railways, a new publicly owned body that will oversee the return of the rail network into public ownership. The new Labour government believes this will reduce train delays and cancellations, as well as simplify fares. Private rail companies argue that this will not necessarily fix the industry’s problems and that this is not a problem that can be solved by simply removing the private sector from the railway.
A report published earlier this year suggested that a simpler ticketing system would help restore the public’s faith in railways and generate more revenue, which could be reinvested in the network to make it better. The report was commissioned by the Rail Industry Association, which represents a variety of companies, including train manufacturers, signal makers, and ticketing firms. The technology for a simple ticketing system already exists, and such a system might be possible under Great British Railways, even if the body just allows tickets to be used across different rail companies without necessarily nationalizing them.
Passenger watchdog Transport Focus has pleaded for train companies to treat passengers more fairly when they mistakenly underpay their fares. Passengers argue that they should not have to spend ages checking detailed rules and restrictions before getting on a train. Those making minor mistakes when navigating the complicated ticketing process are being intensely pursued, but train companies are not showing the same resolve on improving conditions for passengers
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.