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Press release 14th December 2016


 Rail campaigners claim victory as government agrees to an all-industry action plan for fares and ticketing.


"This is a long overdue improvement we've been pushing for for ages" said Chris Page, chairman of Railfuture."Passengers are sick to death of the complex confusing ticket pricing structure which can trip up the unwary. Passengers must be given proper information and sold the best value ticket. Information and fares must be consistent, irrespective of which operator is selling the ticket, and whether it's from a ticket office, online or from a ticket machine. They resent being conned, and selling a higher fare than necessary to the unwary is a serious rip off."

The Department for Transport has agreed to work together with rail industry and consumer groups, including Railfuture, to improve ticketing information for passengers and make it easier for people to choose the best value fare for their journey.

"Passengers tell us that concerns about fares are amongst the most important causes of negative perceptions of rail travel. This is now recognised by the rail industry and the government, although sorting out the fares jungle will take time. Railfuture, along with other user groups, intends to continue to support this exercise and very much supports trials on long distance single ticket mix and match pricing, and sorting out split ticketing so that passengers automatically get the best price. We're also keen to support a move to allow reduced fare advance purchase tickets to be available far closer to the time of travel - the same day."

Notes to editors:

Railfuture is the UK's leading independent organisation campaigning for better rail services for both passengers and freight.

Railfuture's website can be found at: www.railfuture.org.uk

Follow Railfuture on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Railfuture

For further information and comment please contact:

Bruce Williamson, media spokesman
Tel: 0117 927 2954 Mobile: 07759 557389
media at railfuture.org.uk