Train Of Fools – Massive Price Differences On Railway

SO they want us to get out of our cars and start making the daily trek to work more eco-friendly, do they? Yet, the Government still wants train companies to raise their already massively-inflated fares to pay for improvements. The rail companies must be rather enjoying it all.

And now, a new survey has revealed the massive differences in fare prices charged by the UK’s various train companies. According to the report by Lib Dem transport spokeswoman Susan Kramer, passengers can pay up to four times more to travel the same distance, depending on which rail company they use.

Focusing on three journeys with each of Britain’s 22 operators, the study found the Heathrow Express to have the highest ticket prices, with a 27-mile trip costing £10 after 9.30am. A tenner spent with Mersey Rail, however, will bag you a 119-mile journey.

Susan Kramer says: “There should be an urgent inquiry to stop passengers paying even more per mile. How do ministers expect to get people out of their cars when the railways are so expensive?”

Gatwick Express is the second-most expensive company, with a £10 Saver Return ticket getting you a 37-mile journey while Hull trains rank third at 49 miles for £10.

However, the broken toilets, hideous coffee and irritating ticket-checkers remain harmonious across all the companies.

Anorak

Posted: 23rd, July 2007 | In: Money Comments (2) | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed: RSS 2.0 | TrackBack | Permalink