Cheap train fares axed as rail operator claims it will ease overcrowding

From: Daily Mail

Cheap train tickets are being scrapped just months ahead of inflation-busting price increases, a leaked memo has revealed.

One of Britain’s largest operators has stopped selling its lowest-priced fares for Friday afternoons and Sundays to prevent overcrowding.

This is despite the fact that cheap advance tickets are used by rail companies to justify large price increases for their more  flexible fare options.

The move comes after passengers were told they would face price rises of up to 13 per cent in the New Year, and nearly 30 per cent by 2015, leading to the £10,000 season ticket. The cheap fares cull at CrossCountry Trains was uncovered by ticketing expert Barry Doe of Rail magazine.

CrossCountry carries more than 31million passengers each year, with more than 60,000 of its journeys each week made using pre-booked tickets.

However, a memo to staff stated that there would be ‘no cheap advance fares anywhere on our network’ before 9.30am on Monday to Thursday, after 12pm on Friday or all day on Sunday, following feedback from conductors.

A spokesman said only the ‘cheapest’ advance tickets had been scrapped, but would not confirm how many had been withdrawn from sale.

‘We know these trains will be very busy,’ he said. ‘Why sell very cheap tickets on a train which is already full?’

The move means further misery for those seeking more affordable fares.

Mr Doe said: ‘People spend hours trawling  the internet looking for the best deal. As a passenger, you never know how many of the cheap tickets are available, or even if it’s zero.’