Rail firm introduces fixed fares
A UK rail company claims to be the first to abolish peak travel fares.
Wrexham & Shropshire, the train company which runs services from Wrexham, through Shrewsbury and Telford to London Marylebone, has introduced a flat fare structure starting at £40 return.
The new fixed fare tickets are valid for travel from the two points to the capital from March 30.
The company, which runs four return trains a day Monday to Saturday and three on Sundays, has also introduced a “buy on board” policy actively encouraging passengers to buy tickets once they have got on the train.
Return fares from either Shrewsbury or Telford will be £40 all day, compared with Virgin’s ‘Anytime’ £163 from Shrewsbury and £149 from Telford, the company claimed. The rate from Wrexham is £53 compared to Virgin’s £201.
A new first class fare with Wrexham & Shropshire will still cost less than a standard class Virgin ticket at £199 from Wrexham, £162 from Shrewsbury, £148 from Telford.
“Those travelling with Wrexham & Shropshire will be able to walk up on the day of travel and purchase a ticket which will cost the same regardless of what time they are travelling – taking away any confusion,” a spokeswoman said.
The move coincides with research from YouGov showing that 71% of all people who travel by train believe that train companies should simplify the number of ticket options.
More than a third (34%) of people who travel by train find buying tickets on the day of travel confusing, with 34% also reporting that they find it stressful.
And 66% of the 2,000 passengers polled said that they might use train travel more often if there was a simple flat fare.
Wrexham & Shropshire managing director Andy Hamilton said: “Having listened to what our passengers tell us we are cutting out the confusion and the high costs that surround train travel.”
He added: “You can’t get more convenient than buying the ticket on the train and we believe you shouldn’t be penalised for wanting to do so.”
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season