Two million train tickets are being slashed in price today.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a massive discount on over two million train tickets in a promotion running from January 14 to 20, with cheaper Advance and Off-Peak tickets for travel across Britain from January 17 until the end of March.
Examples of the price cuts include London to Newcastle down from £52.10 to £23.60, Nottingham to Manchester down from £18.50 to £9.20, and Glasgow to Inverness down from £28.10 to £14.10. However, these sale tickets will be available on a limited basis. Hull Trains, Lumo and Merseyrail are the only operators not participating in the sale. Last year, a similar scheme saved passengers around £5.8 million with more than 600,000 tickets sold, resulting in an extra 440,000 journeys taken by train.
The DfT is now aiming for an even bigger sale in 2025. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “I’m launching the biggest ever rail sale so more passengers can get big discounts on train tickets to visit destinations across the country. Whether you’re planning a getaway or wanting to visit friends or family, this sale offers huge reductions on all sorts of journeys.”
The UK rail industry is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the world’s first passenger train service this year, harking back to the historical launch of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in north-east England on September 27, 1825. To commemorate this milestone, Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, announced: “Over two centuries, rail has become a vital part of the UK, shaping the economy and lives of millions.”
She also added: “The year’s rail sale will offer over two million discounted advance fares, which is a great way to save on your travel and celebrate 200 years of railway connections.”
Train fares, however, will see a rise across England from March 2, with the Department for Transport (DfT) announcing a 4.6% cap on increases for regulated fares.
Unregulated fare hikes will be decided by operators but are expected to follow closely due to tight control by the DfT. While Scotland and Wales haven’t made any announcements regarding fare rises, Gareth Bacon, the Shadow transport secretary, has criticised the move: “One week of cheaper tickets, while Labour gives their union mates inflation-busting pay rises.”
He also pointed out the limited compensation for passengers who have faced “42 days of delays under Labour, or the chaos over Christmas caused by their ‘no strings’ agreement with the unions.”
It is shaping up to be an exciting year in the world of trains, with several new trains, rail routes and service set to be launched in 2025 including exotic destinations and the world’s fastest train which will travel up to 280 mph. Check out our rundown of what is coming up.
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