Confusion over fares and off-peak travel is ‘exacerbating the problem of overcrowded trains’, according to new research commissioned by rail infrastructure specialist May Gurney.
The findings come as train operating companies are ‘having to lay on extra trains to ease overcrowding on the most congested routes, and commuters face ticket price increases of up to 8% in 2012’.
The May Gurney study reveals that one in five (20%) train users say they don’t understand off-peak fares, with less than half (41%) of rail users realising that off-peak ticketing times vary between rail companies and routes.
The research revealed that this lack of clarity is causing mass confusion, with half (50%) of train users saying they find selecting the right ticket and fare confusing, with 15% saying they find it extremely confusing.
The recent McNulty Review which examined ways to improve the UK’s rail network and cut costs by up to 30% called for more to be done to encourage people to travel at off-peak times.
The findings of the May Gurney survey backed this aim, with more than one in five Britons (22%) saying greater clarity on what an off-peak fare is would encourage them to travel at quieter times, with nearly half (48%) saying they would be more likely to travel off-peak if the fares were lower.
John Wilkinson, Managing Director May Gurney Rail Services stated:
“It is clear that many people are being put off using the railways at quieter times due to confusion about ticket pricing.
“It is critically important that Train Operating Companies clearly communicate with their customers and ensure they understand when peak and off-peak times start and what the implications are for fares.
“This would provide a far greater incentive for people to travel off-peak to ease the pressures on the busiest services.”
The survey also revealed that a third (29%) of Britons say having the ability to travel on the day without having to pay a full fare would persuade them to travel off-peak.
One in ten people would also like more off-peak online booking facilities and 17% of people called for greater flexibility to match and off-peak fare and peak journey, such as travel off-peak with a peak return ticket.
