In May, the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) is beginning an overhaul of the ticketing system.
The changes, which focus on simplifying the complex rail network ticketing system, will be completed by September.
The changes mean that three main ticket types for single and return journeys will be available on the rail network.
The current names will be replaced by new names: Advance; Off-peak; Anytime.
From 18 May 2008, all advance purchase fares, often discounted, will be known simply as Advance and have common terms and conditions. Discounts for Railcards will now also apply. At present, discounts on railcards are not available on all advance purchase tickets.
Advance tickets must be booked in advance for a specific train service. Current fare types that Advance tickets will cover include Leisure Advance, Business Advance, Value Advance, SuperAdvance, Apex, and so on.
From 7 September 2008, ‘walk-up’ fares will be grouped into two categories – Anytime or Off-Peak.
Anytime fares (singles and returns) can be used on any train without restriction. Current ticket types that fall into the Anytime category include Open singles and returns.
Off-peak tickets are cheaper fares for travelling during periods when train services are generally less busy. Current ticket types that will become known as Off-peak include the Saver and Cheap Day Returns.
On some routes, where there are two off-peak fares, the cheaper fares will be called the Super Off-Peak. Current SuperSaver tickets fall into this category.
The changes are designed to enable people to buy the best value ticket to match their journey more easily.
“This is the biggest shake up in the fares and ticketing system for many years and we want passengers to take advantage of it and also encourage more people to take the train,” commented David Mapp, commercial director, ATOC
The price of train tickets will not be increased as a result of the new fares structure, says ATOC, and the regulation of fares is unaffected.
Change to a three-tier system commences in May
