New anytime rail tickets penalises corporate travellers

According to a major travel management company, business rail travellers are being penalised by a new type of rail ticket.

The Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) is asking the rail industry to put an end to the ‘anytime ticket’ pricing that it has described as unfair. The pricing structure was introduced last May.

Many corporate travellers now have less flexibility in their travel and are facing higher ticket prices due to the fare structure that was introduced to simplify cheaper tickets, according to HRG.

The new ‘anytime ticket’ has been introduced as a replacement for standard and first-class return tickets.

Restrictions on the new fares now include a requirement for travel on the outward date appearing on the ticket, as compared with previously, when travel could occur anytime within the ticket’s one month of validity.

Now, when travel needs change, passengers are required to apply for a refund of the original ticket and purchase a replacement ticket for their new departure date. Refunds can take as long as 28 days.

For long-distance travel, the cost can amount to hundreds of pounds additional for each trip. For example, an anytime first class return from Manchester to London costs £360.

Rail fares will increase by seven per cent, on average, in January, meaning that the situation is only going to get worse, says HRG.

www.hrgworldwide.com