‘Hidden’ rail fare increases double travel costs
Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Northampton South, Paul Varnsverry, has condemned rail operator London Midland for the way in which it has introduced increased charges for those making return journeys from both London and Birmingham.
Previously, anyone purchasing an Off-Peak Day Return has been able to complete their return journey without restriction. Effective from Monday January 4th, however, the new changes will require any train passenger leaving London Euston between 4.45 pm and 6.45 pm and Birmingham New Street between 4.35 pm and 6.00 pm to pay for an Anytime Day Return – more than doubling the cost of their train journey!
Paul Varnsverry has criticised London Midland’s actions, stating “This seems to have been sneaked in on the back of the general fares changes and will come as a shock to passengers who will expect to pay £22.90 for an Off-Peak Day Return, and be shocked even more when they are informed they must pay the difference for a £46.80 Anytime Day Return if they want to take an earlier train home. It is going to hit tourists travelling to London, as well as anyone visiting the NEC or returning home from Birmingham International Airport.
“London Midland announced the changes on their web site on 22nd December - just before the Christmas holiday - which means the first many off-peak travellers will know of it is when they turn up this week and are told they must pay the higher fares. To add to confusion, late on Sunday evening the National Rail Enquiries website was still quoting the Off-Peak Day Return ticket as being valid at the new peak afternoon times!
“London Midland’s decision to implement these changes for of-peak rail travellers is astounding at a time when everyone is being urged to use public transport in order to help reduce global warming,”
