SuperSaver Tickets to Vanish

About 70 fare categories including cheap day return, SuperSaver and Apex tickets will soon vanish in the largest overhaul of rail ticketing since privatization. The change is welcomed by consumer groups who look forward to the replacement of the confusing array of train tickets with four new categories, but said they still believe fares were too expensive.

The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) stated that the introduction of one standard month in advance ticket type and three “on the day” tickets in September would not result in fare increases. Beginning May 18 all standard class or first class tickets purchased in advance will be known simply as Advance tickets. Railcard holders, who are currently restricted from using their cards on certain journeys, will be allowed to use their discounts on all Advance fares.

But there are concerns that the disappearance of many advance and day of travel tickets across the rail network could allow some train operators to replace cheap deals with more expensive standard fares.

Recent reports by Passenger Focus, the defender of rail commuters’ rights, showed that less than half of rail passengers are confident of getting the best value ticket for their journey. Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive, said the tickets were “a big step in the right direction. Anything that hacks away at the current fares jungle will help,” he said.

ATOC is also attempting to standardize the terms and conditions on all Advance tickets, making them non-refundable and attaching a £10 fee if a passenger needs to make alterations before travelling.

Advance tickets will be available up to the day before travel, but the way the tickets are sold is being changed, bringing the railways in line with the budget airline industry. Instead of booking a return ticket, passengers booking Advance tickets must book both outbound and inbound single tickets for specific trains if they want to come back.

Beginning September 7 standard class or first class, return or single tickets bought on the day of travel will fall under one of three categories: Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak. Anytime tickets – single or return – can be bought up to the time of travel and used on any train. Off-peak and Super Off-peak tickets will be cheaper and designed for passengers willing to set off when services are less busy.