A trial to simplify train fares is adding more than £100 to the cost of some journeys on one of Britain’s busiest rail lines.
The price rise was revealed by an analysis of tickets sold for travel on the East Coast Main Line by state-owned operator London North Eastern Railway (LNER).
This follows a two-year trial that was advertised as offering “simpler fares”.
Railfuture, a campaign group, described the plan as “terrible”, while rail travel website seat61.com claimed it was designed to “allow for huge price increases”.
LNER has promised to “make arrangements so that as many people as possible have access to the right ticket at the right price”.
Under the trial, the cheapest tickets available for some single journeys between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh have increased from £87 to £193.90 if purchased on the day of travel.
Journeys between London King’s Cross and Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed have seen similar increases.
‘A terrible move’
The pilot scheme, which was launched earlier this month, is limited to these three routes, but if deemed successful it could be spread across the entire network.
The price increase was due to the removal of super off-peak tickets, which were traditionally the cheapest tickets that could be used on multiple departures during quieter periods without needing to be purchased in advance.
The PA news agency has previously analyzed the prices of services these ticket holders can travel on; These prices were stated to be between £83.80 and £87, depending on the route. Now, for some services booked on the day of travel, the lowest priced tickets available are always fully flexible for fares priced between £192.80 and £193.90.
Cheaper options are available on most services (fixed advance tickets or the new semi-flexible 70-minute flexible tickets) but in some cases these fares are more expensive than off-peak fares.
Railfuture director Neil Middleton said: “Abolishing off-peak ticketing is a terrible move.
“The mere prospect of having to pay more than £192 for a train ticket to travel between King’s Cross and Newcastle is enough to put you off traveling by train, possibly forever.
“Yes, it is quite possible to travel much cheaper, but these are eye-watering prices to pay if you have to travel unexpectedly or your travel plans change.
“I think they are way beyond acceptable for most people’s wallets and even for most companies’ expense claims.”
Mr Middleton said the flexibility offered by the 70-minute flexible fare was a “real advantage” but expressed concern that “the ticket may not be available when I want to travel”.
He called on the LNER to reintroduce off-peak super fares but continue with the remainder of the trial.
‘It has already failed’
The introduction of the scheme comes as train operators are under increasing pressure from the Department for Transport (DfT) to increase revenues to reduce taxpayer-funded subsidies.
Mark Smith, founder of Seat61.com, said: “It is now quite clear to everyone that the ‘simplification’ of LNER fares is a smokescreen to eliminate off-peak fares to allow for huge price increases.
“I now suspect the DfT is behind this. “As an attempt to simplify things for passengers, it has already failed and should not be extended.”
He explained that people traveling from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh on short notice could get a “better deal” if they bought a super-low £87 ticket to the Haymarket, one station beyond Edinburgh.
These tickets, which are still available as the Haymarket is not part of the trial, allow for a break in the journey, meaning passengers can end their journey in Edinburgh and save 55 per cent compared to any fare of £193.90.
Which? Consumer group travel expert Guy Hobbs said: “It would be incredibly frustrating for passengers if a proposed plan to simplify the ticket-buying process could lead to price increases sneaking in through the back door.
“Off-peak fares are often the best value, so it is crucial that LNER looks to make changes to ensure this new scheme offers passengers equally competitive fares.”
Fares will be ‘the same or cheaper’
An LNER spokesman said: “Since the launch of the pilot, the majority of customers purchasing advance tickets have paid less than the old super off-peak fare.
“At times they will be traditionally classed as ‘off-peak trains’, advance tickets will sell out and more expensive tickets will be the only option on popular services.
“However, the pilot will find that flexible tickets are available earlier and for 70 minutes until the day of travel.
“We will continue to monitor and make adjustments so that as many people as possible have access to the right ticket at the right price for them.”
The operator added that before the trial, the percentage of fares purchased on off-peak routes was 11 percent.
He believes the new pricing system will more closely reflect demand and reduce incidents of overcrowding.
A DfT spokesman said: “LNER’s trial is part of a long-standing commitment to simplify complex ticketing, which can often deter people from getting on the train.
“This way, the majority of passengers on these routes will find fares are the same or cheaper than the old super off-peak fares.”