RDG begins consultation on rail fares reform

The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) began its fares consultation on June 4, with the industry body seeking views from customers, businesses, passenger groups, stakeholders, staff and the public in how rail fares could be reformed.

In May, the RDG announced the consultation to try and simplify fares in a revenue-wneutral way ( RAIL 853). It says it wants fares to be “transparent, predictable, fair, trusted and easier to use”, offer greater integration with other transport modes, serve different markets, and provide funding for investment and reduce the need for additional taxpayer subsidy.

However, the RDG acknowledges that the requirement for any changes in fares to be revenueneutral will mean that lower fares in some areas or on some services will need to be balanced out by higher fares elsewhere.

And among the questions posed is whether passengers would prefer certainty over journey prices, even if that means advance ticket or lastminute prices are restricted.

“This consultation will ensure the views of passengers, communities and businesses will be represented when we present our proposals to government later this year,” said RDG Chief Executive Paul Plummer.

“Reforming the rules about how tickets are sold and bought has the potential to transform the buying experience for customers, making it easier for people to be confident they are getting the right ticket.”

Transport Focus Chief Executive Anthony Smith promised that passengers views would be “heard clearly” in the consultation, adding: “Our research shows that rail passengers want a fares system that is simple to use, easy to understand, and is flexible enough to cater to how people work and travel today.”

The consultation will close on September 10, with a final report due in the late autumn. It can be accessed online at britainrunsonrail.co.uk/fares.