Inflation busting rail ticket rises. What can I say ?
I'm embarassed at some of the ticket prices I hear quoted to passengers - in the order of £200 for a return trip to London. Sure. You can buy online and get some cracking deals - but what of the turn-up-and-go convenience of public transport ?
I don't pretend to know the intricacies of the privatised franchising agreements but what I do know is that government subsidies are being withdrawn and the Train Operating Companies are trying to make up for the shortfalls.
The link from the Guardian (above) explains that - out of every pound - 17p goes on staffing, 17p goes on stock and maintenance, 3p is taken by the TOC in profit and the rest goes to Network Rail for infrastructure charges.
British railways lag far behind the Continentals in quality and value for money. On the positive side of things our railways provide many more services albeit they're overcrowded ones.
I suppose it's like most things in the UK. You pay through the nose whatever it is you're buying. As a railway worker I AM sorry about it though.
PS. I'm also sorry that my train always runs late though this is not my fault. Einstein's General Relativity equation sees that my watch runs slower than yours does.
13 comments:
A shame realy as travel by train is a real pleasuer (you can tell I don't commute)
The most outrageous feature of rail travel is that, if you miss your train, you not only lose the money pre-paid for your fare but you then have to shell out for the full no-discount asap ticket. I know of no other business that is able to operate in this despicable way.
Add to that the inevitable increase in car park fees and then the controlled parking zones created in the neighbouring streets and you have people like me driving Mrs Ranter to and from the station to save up to £100.00 per month in parking fees but....gasp....ensuring an increase in the 'carbon footprint' etc by increased car usage.
That's why I always post early!
Interesting comment Mr Banned. We always say in the hotel business, that if a room isn't sold for a night, then that income will never be recovered.
That's why in some chains, you can waltz in at 3.00am and pay £20.00 for the rest of the night!
Don't try that in some of the budgets though, the managers have no discretion whatsoever...
In addition to the alarming fare hikes are arrogant, ticket-inspecting militia, recruited to intimidate peasants of the second class coaches.
Many of these so called Revenue Inspectors are the worst of retired police, enjoying a new chance to throw their weight around with a bonus pay packet banked alongside an inflated pension. Interest you, Ranter?
Runs late!!!!!
Arent you the one who fell asleep and missed a few stops?
I love trains but they are over priced
I recall a few of us getting a first class day return manchester to london 10 years ago
£1000
Breakfast and a snack on the way back
It would have been cheaper to have got a helicopter
And at least the pilot wouldnt have fallen asleep (+;
Scrobs it also doesnt work near airports
Plus you get woken all the time by those trolleys
I once booked into one at circa 3 am for a cocaine fuelled romp, no discount, no sleep and the romp was a disaster, then my freind came and slept in the bath
I have had better evenings
Melv! read my avatar and comply, either that or take your tablets!
If the TOC gets 3% & Notwork Rail gets 67% there is a huge problem. It's unsurprising ALL other European countries have much cheaper fares with this huge level of extortion. Also, they have mostly a much more reliable service, easier to understand fare structures and better facilities. We're being robbed!
It's so tough for regular commuters. We can't blame you for it though, but it's sweet of you to apologise.
Ha ha ha Beast!
Wasn't a Travel-odge/Inn was it? They're under pain of death not to charge under the tarriff! I think they're personally docked the discount so of course, they say 'sod it'!
If you were in that bloody great Travelodge at H'row, you could have kipped down on the huge hall, which was designed on the original Crystal Palace, had the snorts, probably got yourself organised good and proper on the bonkette, and all for the price of a warm pint and a Dubonnet for the lady at the bar!
I believe zonk rates are similar in most of the shuttle houses round there!
Thanks to all for your comments.
Banned is right.
Beast knows nothing !
;-)
Thanks to all for your comments.
Banned is right.
Beast knows nothing !
;-)
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