National Express defies cheap rail travel after losing East Coast line
National Express has forced a rise in train ticket prices before handing over control of the East Coast line to the government.
Financially-troubled train operator National Express has blocked plans for cheap rail travel on the East Coast line, despite management being transferred to the public sector.The company handed over ownership of the London to Edinburgh line to the government two weeks ago (November 13th), but insisted that five per cent fare rises be introduced to reduce the debt it owes to the Department for Transport.
National Express claimed that cheap rail travel will still be an option for customers using the line, as only off-peak fares booked in advance from January onwards will be affected by the price hikes.
With the retail price index at minus 1.4 per cent, other ticket costs will fall in line with the rest of the industry.
Elaine Holt, chairman of East Coast, the government-backed franchise which will now run the line, told the Guardian: "These fares were set by National Express some time ago. This is a commercial operation and there are many good value-for-money fares available."
The Times recently advised consumers hoping to take a trip across the UK in the coming months to book up to 12 weeks in advance to ensure cheap rail travel.
Customers should also be flexible with journey times - cheap rail travel can be obtained easily early in the morning or late at night when most other people will not be willing to travel, according to the newspaper.
Written by Ted Maul
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