Cheaper train tickets planned for part-timers
PART-TIME workers will soon be able to save money with flexible season tickets for their train journeys, under plans announced by rail minister Norman Baker yesterday.
The Department for Transport will next year pilot the scheme on a London commuter route, which will offer cheaper season tickets for workers who only commute a few days a week, or at weekends.
The flexible cards could also give discounts to those that do not need to travel during the rush hours, though the details are not yet final.
The DfT is looking for a franchise operator to run the trial, “subject to the agreement of satisfactory commercial terms and business case”.
“Under this pilot we will look at how we can give them a better deal and also reward those commuters who avoid the busiest rush hour services,” said Baker yesterday.
Richard Tracey, a Conservative member of the London Assembly who has been lobbying for ticketing reform, welcomed the trial. “The Mayor and TfL should now go a step further and combine a package of flexible ticketing with commuter rebates,” he said.