In a significant overhaul of the UK rail system, the government is set to unveil reforms aimed at simplifying ticketing and reducing costs. These changes, rooted in a proposal first introduced by Keith Williams, former chief executive of British Airways, will replace the current two-way ticket system with "single-leg pricing." Under this new model, the cost of two single tickets will match the existing return fare.
The idea, initially presented by Boris Johnson and Grant Shapps in May 2021, aims to address issues stemming from the 2018 timetable debacle that caused widespread chaos and cancellations. Recent delays in implementing these reforms have been attributed to governmental turmoil and Conservative party concerns about "nationalisation by the backdoor." However, Transport Secretary Mark Harper is expected to reveal the new fares in an upcoming speech on Tuesday.
The transition to working from home has led to a £2 billion annual shortfall in rail fares, prompting a need for change. In response, the reforms will not only address ticketing but also bring the operation of tracks and trains under one umbrella. This consolidation will fall under the jurisdiction of a newly established public body, Great British Railways (GBR), which will oversee timetables and ticketing.
The government has also trialled the new pricing strategy with London North East Railway (LNER) in 2020. Additionally, plans to introduce digital ticketing and potentially implement smartcards, similar to London's Oyster Card system, are part of the broader reform agenda. The aim is to modernize the rail experience across the UK.
Currently, Southeastern, Northern, and LNER are operated by the government’s own operator of last resort. This move towards greater public control has not been without criticism. The government has faced backlash for its inability to resolve ongoing strikes within the rail industry, casting doubt on its ability to implement such sweeping changes effectively.