Trains a rich mans toy?

[Spellbound454]

Britain's rail fares are now so high that trains have become a "rich man's toy", Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has said.

He told the Commons transport committee it was an "uncomfortable fact" that customers had "significantly higher incomes" than the general population.

Mr Hammond added that some fares on the West Coast Mainline were "eye-wateringly expensive".

Commuter season tickets are set to rise by about 8% on average next year.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-14904610
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Must admit I haven't used trains for years.....the last time I paid premium for my ticket... then had to stand for the journey because there wasn't enough carriages.

Are trains a thing of the past?

What do you think?

[starlight07]

Are trains a thing of the past?

Hello Spells,

I would say a no to the above. I've been commuting by train since the past 4 years alongside many other students and people (maybe workers?) and I didn't find it expensive though every New Year the fares would rise by a certain percenatge. It's still very cheap compared to hiring a taxi or getting a lift from a taxi...

At peak hours the train was packed and few times I had to stand due to the train not being able to meet the demand of having many carriages.

Buses maybe a cheaper public transport but trains are not expensive.

All I can advise is to get a return ticket as that comes cheaply....you save quite a lot.

[piropo2]

Try catching a train from the midlands to London, costs more that a flight to Spain. lol


Or even a flight to Glasgow

[Spellbound454]

That's true.....the cost of air travel is often cheaper, quicker and you don't have to stand for long periods.

I remember when train after train was cancelled for leaf mould being on the line.....Its not like trees have suddenly started shedding leaves in the Autumn....they have been doing it for millions of years before trains.

I think its a poor service.... and wouldn't consider it unless I was going to London for a meeting or something and someone else was buying the ticket.