MPs to probe high train ticket prices
MPs are to investigate the cost of train tickets in the UK after the RMT union suggested some are three times the price of comparable tickets in mainland Europe.
The transport select committee is concerned about the availability of cheap fares and problems encountered by passengers because timetables are not up to date.
“Before public holidays in 2004, some rail passengers were frustrated in their attempts to buy cheap advance purchase tickets or make seat reservations,” it said.
“Train operating companies apparently did not know whether they would be able to run their trains as planned.[by the time they did], the deadline for cheap advance purchase tickets had passed.”
The cross-party committee will also look into any potential confusion caused by different types and costs of fares between different operators, and between variations in cost depending on whether tickets are booked online, by phone or in person.
