Flexible rail season tickets go on sale in England

Much of the country looks set to return to work next month but costs have risen in their absence. In March rail fares rose by 2.6pc on average, adding huge sums onto annual season tickets.

To complicate matters, many employers are likely to introduce flexible working policies once office work is permitted, where staff will work from home for part of the week.

For those who are used to full season tickets, buying daily tickets could mean their bills rise even if they are travelling less than before.

The Government has tried to address this by introducing “flexi” season tickets, which allow commuters to travel for a certain number of days per month without booking in advance.

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Government scheme aims to suit ‘modern working habits’ amid Covid-19 pandemic

The tickets, which should save commuters at least 20% on the standard monthly rate, can be used from 28 June. The government has estimated passengers could save up to £350 a year.

“As we kickstart the biggest reforms to our railways in a generation, flexible season tickets are the first step,” the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, said. “They give us greater freedom and choice about how we travel, simpler ticketing and a fairer fare.”

The scheme is part of a long-awaited overhaul of the rail industry announced last month. The Williams-Shapps plan for rail revealed that a new-state owned body – Great British Railways – would take over timetables, prices, ticket sales across England and managing rail infrastructure.

The plan aims to streamline and simplify fares, including extending contactless and pay-as-you-go systems to more parts of the country.

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