It is reported that commuting by train in the UK is now 6 times more expensive than in most other EU countries. So much for the supposed efficiencies of rail privatisation! Discuss!
Rip off UK train fares.
- Thread starter delc
- Start date
bobmac
Major Champion
When were you last ripped off on a train fare?
I seem to remember being charged a small fortune for a one way trip from London to Birmingham, and that was several years ago.
Old Skier
Tour Winner
Shouldnt be so tight and have got your over 60s card.
Other countries are cheaper as they are state subsidized. When train users want to subsidize my servicing and diesel I'll contemplate subsidizing further their rail fares. Until then, user pays, that's the system.
I occasionally use the train and do find it expensive but I think there are far bigger and more important issues than making rail travel cheaper.
I occasionally use the train and do find it expensive but I think there are far bigger and more important issues than making rail travel cheaper.
bobmac
Major Champion
So the cost of travelling by train has no affect on you whatsoever, you just like complaining about it?
larmen
Head Pro
Do you know how the salary of train staff compares? If you would strike adjust them up in other countries, would they be comparable to ours?
Rooter
Money List Winner
I wouldn't mind if the level of service you got matched the price. Peak return from Newbury to Paddington with tube was about £62 before the new year (not seen the latest price) if I get a seat either way for the money I'm surprised. Also if it's on time, I'm surprised.
I try my best to travel off peak for more than half the price, but can't do it all the time I need to be in town. But I'm stuffed, no way I'm going to drive to Liverpool Street!!
I try my best to travel off peak for more than half the price, but can't do it all the time I need to be in town. But I'm stuffed, no way I'm going to drive to Liverpool Street!!
SocketRocket
Ryder Cup Winner
Lambchops
Assistant Pro
I can fly from Brno to Stansted for 18quid, it then costs me another 100quid on trains to get upto the North East - its crazy in the Uk.
I used the International train to travel Brno - Budapest return between Xmas and New Year and that cost me about 40quid return in first class - train travel is an awful lot more reliable and affordable over here than the Uk by a long shot
I used the International train to travel Brno - Budapest return between Xmas and New Year and that cost me about 40quid return in first class - train travel is an awful lot more reliable and affordable over here than the Uk by a long shot
shewy
Journeyman Pro
it's a complete rip off, how can it be cheaper to fly than train? Also if you split tickets it's cheaper but your still on the same train, the companies don't advertise this.
Example, I was looking for a train to south wales from Birmingham airport one way £55, same train but name the time £25 but tucked away and hard to find.
The service is shocking too, no toilets that work and no beverage trolley or car. Travelled a bit in europe and it's much better even in what we would consider less well off countries. And what do the companies do when fined? pass it onto the customer, they get away with murder IMO
Example, I was looking for a train to south wales from Birmingham airport one way £55, same train but name the time £25 but tucked away and hard to find.
The service is shocking too, no toilets that work and no beverage trolley or car. Travelled a bit in europe and it's much better even in what we would consider less well off countries. And what do the companies do when fined? pass it onto the customer, they get away with murder IMO
chrisd
Major Champion
I live a 40 minute train journey from St Pancras on the high speed I can travel off peak for around £24 Inc underground return, but if necessary, a peak ticket is £65 without underground and you'd be fortunate to get a seat .
arnieboy
Challenge Tour Pro
Try living near the south coast, a train is a rare sight because of problems with Southern Rail!
woody69
Journeyman Pro
I commute from Swindon to London everyday (more or less) and the monthly season ticket with underground is £875. It is expensive, but the rail network is in such need of repair due to under investment. Most delays are due to failures with the infrastructure (aside from issues with trespassers, people jumping in front of them). When it goes smoothly, I have no real complaints. Obviously I would prefer it to be considerably cheaper.
IanM
Journeyman Pro
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If I pre book a Severn Tunnel to Southampton train its £15. If I show up and buy ticket it's £44.
Previous comment about how can flying be cheaper than rail? Absolutely... it is often. Bonkers.
Previous comment about how can flying be cheaper than rail? Absolutely... it is often. Bonkers.
Doon frae Troon
Ryder Cup Winner
Last time I used the train was to take my grandson to Murrayfield for a Scotland game.
Roughly 200 mile round trip.
I went to pay expecting the worst but was told kids go free at weekends and I get a 20% discount on my fare by having a bus pass.
Can't remember what it cost so it was probably quite cheap.
Roughly 200 mile round trip.
I went to pay expecting the worst but was told kids go free at weekends and I get a 20% discount on my fare by having a bus pass.
Can't remember what it cost so it was probably quite cheap.
Del_Boy
Head Pro
It is what it is. If you think it is a rip off dont use the trains
G
guest100718
Guest
if only we had a choice
SwingsitlikeHogan
Major Champion
Indeed they are - and partly using the profits of their state-owned railway companies who now run much of the British rail network. Love it - UK passengers subsidising the fares of passengers of overseas rail companies.
Del_Boy
Head Pro
may not be great - but I'm sure there will be a choice
