1. Given the strong feelings expressed by Committee members regarding the change of conditions relating to the sale of "Anytime" rail tickets, Mike Mitchell has raised the matter with the Association of Train Operating Companies so that they may consider whether any changes are required.
2. The fares simplification was developed by the Association of Train Operating Companies, who consulted on the changes with Passenger Focus. As Mr Mitchell said at the hearing, the Department welcomes the overall package of changes, which has created a simpler fares structure that is easier for passengers to understand.
3. The simplification process also sought to harmonise the terms and conditions of different ticket types as far as possible. Anytime day return fares have always been valid only on the date of the ticket. Off-peak fares have also always had outward travel valid only on the date of the ticket. Delete sentence. ATOC decided that on balance the new Anytime period return should be consistent with the majority of walk-up ticket types.
4. The change in conditions which requires a nominated day of outward travel reduces the opportunity for ticket fraud. Previously, an open return was valid on its outward and return portion until clipped or retained by a ticket gate. Some passengers might therefore be able to dishonestly use the same ticket several times. By limiting the validity of the outward portion to the stated day of travel, this risk is reduced.
5. The new conditions will undoubtedly require some types of passenger to change their ticket buying behaviour, principally those passengers (including many MPs) who bulk-buy open, peak-time returns for use as-and-when needed. However, the change is not equally important to all passengers. Other aspects of harmonisation delivered important benefits, such as the acceptance of railcards on all Advance tickets.
29 January 2009
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