Rise of flexible working signals decline of the rail season ticket

RAIL industry experts say fares should be overhauled as commuters turn to flexible working.

Journeys using season tickets, which often come with discounts and other benefits, fell for the third year in a row, from 702million in 2014-15 to 625million in 2018-19, according to figures from the Office of Road and Rail.

In contrast, use of regular tickets has increased by 5 per cent and the overall number of train journeys has gone up by 50.9 million, taking this year’s total to a record 1.76billion.

Experts say this is partly down to more part-time and flexible working, meaning people are eschewing season tickets and paying as they go. Anthony Smith, of the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: “The increase in train journeys is good news. However, significant, long-term investment in the railway must build on this, reduce overcrowding and regain passenger trust.

“The continued decline in season tickets underlines the need for a radical overhaul of the fares structure. Passengers want a system that’s simple to use, easy to understand and better value for money. There’s a huge demand for smarter ticketing that can help flexible and part-time workers.”

The Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents the industry, said rail firms were not taking into account “how people live and work today”, while the Campaign for Better Trans- port (CBT) stated: “The way people travel is changing.” Paul Plummer, of the RDG, said: “The long-term decline in season tickets, despite the continued growth in commuting, shows that the rail fares system needs to change.”

Darren Shirley, of the CBT, said: “There is a huge regional divide with London and the South East accounting for 70 per cent of all trips. But season ticket sales continue to fall, showing the way people travel is changing.

“The Government’s rail review must ensure that the economic, social and environmental benefits of rail are felt across the country while ticket reform must ensure cheaper, simpler, fairer fares relevant to modern needs.”