Our friends at the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) have news that is significant in many ways. Making permanent the removal of off-peak tickets for journeys between London and Edinburgh. The new structure will feature only three types of fares: anytime, advance, and the recently introduced “70min Flex.” This major shakeup is designed to make it easier for customers to buy tickets and match ticket prices to demand more efficiently.
The full changes go into effect February 5. In terms of passage traffic, they will specifically affect flows along routes linking London King’s Cross to Newcastle, Berwick, and Edinburgh. The most notable aspect of this update is their removal of off-peak tickets. According to the analysis, these fares represented only 11% of the trips taken in the pilot area. Importantly for passengers, LNER’s managing director David Horne said reducing the complexity of fares was key to making rail more attractive to customers.
“Simplifying fares is vital in making rail travel more attractive.” – David Horne, managing director at LNER
Under the new system, travelers will be able to buy advance fares until five minutes before travel. LNER is moving beyond the basics to innovate with its primary products. Through this ambitious initiative, USDOT will inspire more residents and visitors to adopt rail as their key mode of transportation. The “70min Flex” initiative allows customers to utilize other LNER services up to 70 minutes before or after their original booked journey, providing added flexibility for passengers.
The maximum peak fare for a Sunday afternoon trip from London to Scotland has increased to £87. A standard one-way ticket from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh would be £193. This demand-based pricing strategy for rail is meant to prioritize putting those services where they will be most attractive, boosting ridership and revenue.
Rail consultant Mark Smith said the new fare structure was “terrible” and could have damaging consequences for riders.
“It takes walk-up travel away from the railway. It’s very nice for the railway operator but a straitjacket for the passenger.” – Mark Smith, rail expert
Similar to LNER’s decision, this is likely to have been informed by a successful trial in 2020 when they removed return tickets entirely. This change has since become expected industry-wide. Unlike the other repeater, LNER is only focusing on three different fare types. This policy will lead to a simpler, more transparent fare structure for their riders.
“We expected the three types to be anytime, off-peak and advance. Instead we now have anytime – fully flexible but unaffordable – and the rest are advance.” – Mark Smith, rail expert
LNER’s decision follows a previous trial in 2020 when return tickets were scrapped, a change that has since become common practice across the industry. By focusing on three fare types, LNER aims to provide a clearer and more straightforward fare system for its customers.