03.02.15
Train tickets get a makeover
Train tickets in the UK have been redesigned for the first time in more than 30 years.
In an effort to make things simpler for passengers the Department for Transport and Rail Delivery Group have worked together to come up with a new design that is “simpler, easier and clearer”.
The new tickets include key data such as station names, ticket descriptions, permitted routes, time restrictions and validity information – presented in clearer, larger print without jargon.
Passengers buying Advance tickets will now get just the one ticket, rather than the old main pass and a separate seat reservation coupon.
The new tickets have been trialled already by Northern Rail and are live on Northern ticket machines and East Midlands Trains ticket machines. The phased roll-out will gradually see it spread to further operators and the new style become available over the counter at ticket offices as well.
(A mock up of a new style Advance First Class ticket)
A spokesman for RDG told RTM: “Rail journeys have doubled over the last 20 years and the industry is determined to see growth continue. As part of the industry’s efforts to help more people feel confident that they have the right ticket for their journey, we’ve worked with passengers to help redesign the famous orange ticket to make it simpler, easier and clearer for people to use.”
The redesign is the first large-scale change to the orange credit-card sized tickets since they were introduced in the early 1980s.
The DfT said the change will display route and time constrictions more clearly reducing the risk of ticket holders being caught out and receiving a penalty fare after misunderstanding the limitations of their ticket.
A spokesman said: “With more people than ever before using the rail network, it is essential passengers are able to buy the correct ticket for their journey, and at the best possible price.
“That is why we have been working closely with the industry to improve the information passengers receive when buying a ticket. This includes improving the information printed on tickets so that they are clearer to read and easier to understand.”
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