Train operators are gearing up to make changes to railcard discounts, with a pro-rail group expressing concerns about the decision.
The planned reduction in fare discounts from 34 per cent to 33.4 per cent, set to take effect from September 15, will impact various railcard holders, including people aged 16-30 or 60 and over, families with children, individuals with disabilities, and military veterans.
While the current discounts are set at 34 per cent, train operators will now implement a slightly smaller reduction due to a relaxation of system restrictions.
For instance, the Anytime Return fare for railcard holders travelling from Cardiff to London will increase from £194.15 to £195.90, and from £72.60 to £73.25 for those travelling from Birmingham to Manchester.
Although most railcard promotions advertise savings of a third off standard fares, some operators’ websites still reference the 34 per cent figure, such as East Midlands Railway and Heathrow Express.
Bruce Williamson from Railfuture expressed disappointment, stating that even a marginal fare increase could upset passengers. He questioned the logic of risking customer dissatisfaction over minor savings.
Additionally, Michael Solomon Williams of the Campaign for Better Transport advocated for a northern network railcard to ensure fairness across regions, suggesting that passengers in the north should receive similar discounts to their southern counterparts with regional railcards.
Despite these changes, a Railcard spokesperson emphasised that the cost of a Railcard has remained unchanged for over a decade, offering customers a third off rail fares for just £30 per year. This cost can be recouped in just one or two journeys.
As the rail industry aims to recover fares income, which still lags behind pre-pandemic levels, Office of Rail and Road data indicates a decrease in passenger revenue from £12.7 billion in 2019-20 to £10.3 billion in the year ending March 2021.
The decision to adjust railcard discounts has sparked mixed reactions, with concerns raised about the potential impact on passengers and calls for a fairer railcard system across different regions.
