From January 2020, we will be trialling a new, simpler fares structure on some of our routes. The trial is expected to last two years.
What is the simpler fares structure?
We will be replacing return fares on three of our routes with single tickets at around half the price of the current return ticket. We will be removing return tickets to allow customers to select the best single ticket for their journey whether this is an Anytime, Super Off-Peak (Off-Peak in 1st Class) or Advance single.
Why are you doing this?
Customers have indicated that they find the current ticket buying process complicated. We are simplifying our range of tickets, from seven to three in standard class and from five to three in First Class, allowing customers to select the best price for each direction of their journey. As a result, we aim to give customers more confidence when purchasing tickets.
What is happening to the range of tickets between London and the cities in this trial?
The table below shows changes to the current ticket range.
What are the benefits of Fair Fares?
The trial allows customers to make more informed choices about which ticket is best for them. They will be able to better Mix and Match between Anytime, Super Off-Peak (Off-Peak in 1st Class) and Advance tickets, allowing them to save time and money.
I normally buy a return ticket, so what do I do now?
For a return journey, you will now have to buy two Single tickets, one for your outward journey, and another for coming back. You don’t need to purchase both your outward and return singles at the same time, unless you want to, which allows for any changes to your plans. The biggest change to benefit you is you don’t need to make a decision on your return until you know what your plans are for sure.
What journeys will be impacted by the trial?
The trial will include tickets for journeys specifically between the following three city pairs:
London and Leeds
London and Newcastle
London and Edinburgh
It’s important to note that initially this is for customers travelling direct to or from these stations only, and not stations in between i.e. Leeds to London is part of the new approach, but Leeds to Grantham for example is not.
Will journeys from other stations be included?
No. Only for journeys specifically between the three city pairs:
London and Leeds
London and Newcastle
London and Edinburgh
When will the trial start?
The trial will begin for journeys on and after 2 January 2020. Tickets bought for these journeys will be on sale on the 30 November 2019.
When will the trial end?
The trial is planned as a pilot for the new simpler fares structure on the LNER network, however, this is subject to a review of the results of the trial.
Should the trial prove successful by demonstrating its popularity with passengers and encouraging uptake of rail travel, a wider rollout of the simpler fares structure could take place across the LNER network.
Are you looking at any other ways of simplifying your fares structure?
Yes. We are working with the wider industry to make fares simple, flexible and value for money. You can find out more from the Rail Delivery Group Easier Fares Report.
Right now, we are concentrating on this trial, and we look forward to seeing recommendations of the Williams Rail Review to help us make further improvements.
Will I have to pay more?
The aim of the trial is to help simplify the ticket buying process. Our proposals do not increase our average fares, and many customers could make savings by now being able to buy a better value Single ticket for the return portion of their journey.
More than 99% of customers will see either a reduction in the amount they pay or no change to the fare they currently pay.
