LNER: Train fares simplified in bid to boost passenger numbers

Fares on one of Britain's busiest rail lines are being simplified in an attempt to increase passenger numbers, a rail operator said.

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) said it would be overhauling the fares system on the East Coast Main Line as part of a two-year trial.

The scheme applies to journeys between London King's Cross and Newcastle, Berwick-upon-Tweed and Edinburgh.

It will come into effect from 5 February.

LNER's managing director David Horne said simplifying fares was "vital in making rail travel more attractive".

The operator said it has cut the number of available standard class fares from seven to three.

It said its new fare, named 70min Flex, will enable passengers to travel on other LNER services up to 70 minutes before or after their booked journey.

The only other two available fares are Advance - the cheapest tickets which can only be used on a specific train - and the most expensive fully flexible Anytime tickets.

LNER said a survey by industry body the Rail Delivery Group suggested 35% of people who might travel by train are put off because they find it difficult to find the best fare.

Mr Horne said: "Customers tell us they find fares confusing.

"This exciting new pilot is the next step in our plans to overhaul complicated and outdated ticketing options and we look forward to hearing feedback from our customers."

LNER, which is owned by the Department for Transport, previously launched single-leg pricing, with fares around half the price of a return.

Rail minister Huw Merriman said the government was delivering on its "commitment to reform the railways", working with operators to provide passengers with "simpler and more flexible tickets".

Alex Robertson, chief executive at Transport Focus, said the watchdog looked forward to hearing how the trial progresses and will be monitoring "that it does indeed deliver better value for money".

Simplifying fares is among the proposed tasks for Great British Railways, a planned new public sector body to oversee the railways.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk