Transport Secretary Mark Harper has announced a new trial scheme which will fluctuate the price of rail tickets based on demand.
As a result, the cost of travel services in some areas will be more or less expensive, depending on how many seats have been filled on a particular journey. The Department for Transport has said it hopes the changes will help better manage capacity and raise revenue at the same time.
A pay-as-you-go ticketing system will be implemented for train journeys across south-east England - it has not yet been confirmed if this trial will be expanded to other areas of the UK. Currently, an off-peak single journey between Durham and London costs just £1 less than a return.
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Mr Harper will address rail industry leaders in central London tonight (February 7) as part of the annual George Bradshaw. He is expected to say: "Today I am setting out the Government’s long-term vision for the future of our railways.
“The industry’s road to recovery after Covid has been tough, with reform badly needed to win back that lost passenger revenue while putting customers first. Today’s announcement is the latest example of this Government taking bold decisions and getting on with the job.
“Growing the economy is rightly one of the Prime Minister’s top five priorities, and the measures I announce today will unleash more competition, innovation and growth in an important sector of our economy.”
Labour’s shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said: “Whichever ticket you buy, passengers are paying more for less under the Conservatives’ broken rail system. Thirteen years of failure has seen fares soar, more services than ever cancelled, while failing operators continue to be handed millions in taxpayers’ cash.
“The next Labour Government will put passengers back at the heart of our railways, and build the infrastructure fit for the century ahead, unlocking jobs and growth.”
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