London’s young commuters can save a third on off-peak fares using railcards with contactless payments, while a Which? report reveals overpricing at train ticket vending machines across England.
A recently identified money-saving tip for young Londoners using public transport involves utilising the 16-25 or 26-30 railcard to get a third off off-peak fares including daily caps, when using contactless payment methods. The revelation came from a student who lamented not being aware of the savings, which she claims could have significantly reduced her transportation costs over the years. This method for obtaining discounts could be especially beneficial for students and young professionals who do not travel frequently enough to warrant purchasing an Oyster 18+ travelcard. Transport for London (TfL) has various discount options that could help combat the rising cost of living in the city. Commuters are encouraged to research the available fare reductions to take advantage of cost-saving opportunities.
In a separate issue, it has been uncovered that ticket vending machines at railway stations in England are charging passengers substantially more for train fares compared to the online retailer Trainline. The consumer group Which? conducted an investigation where they compared prices for 75 different journeys at 15 stations and discovered that, on average, fares were 52% more expensive when bought from machines on the day of travel. The study highlighted that with more than two out of five stations lacking ticket offices and approximately 150 million journey tickets sold from machines in 2022, a significant number of passengers might be overpaying for their travel.
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, commented on the breadth of the issue, noting its potential impact on those without internet access who must rely on ticket vending machines. A Rail Delivery Group spokeswoman responded, acknowledging the necessity for further reforms to simplify and reduce train ticket prices. It was also noted that Trainline adds booking fees, while many other websites and apps, including those of train operators, do not. Addressing the discrepancies in train fare pricing between vending machines and online platforms remains a critical challenge for the railway industry in ensuring equitable fare access for all commuters.
