Millions of passengers face 20 per cent fare rise

[whole diary]

[devon_metro]

It should of course be noted that half price singles are only available on flows to and from Reading and London (and any routes that pass through)

Which is a shame!

[vacman]

It shouldn't affect too many people. The people who buy the savers to london and reading can probably afford an extra ^10.

And that's okay is it? What a broad sweeping and downright offensive statement. I sodding well can't afford an extra ^10; and remember it's not just ^10, it's ^10 every time you buy an Off Peak return.
My income increases in September by diddly squat percent.

Fly then

[Timmer]

I thought the print media was bad enough with its errors, but the story has just been covered on BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) Points West and they also made errors.
The introduction by the presenter stated that the fares increases were starting next year. And the piece finished with the reporter stating that the new timetable comes into effect in September. Um, what new timetable? New fares, yes. New timetable, no.
Oh, and does anyone else find 'Vox Pops' on local TV^▸ (Thames Valley, or TeleVision, depending on context) news annoying?

It wasn't a good piece in terms of accuracy for sure and I don't say that lightly because its usually a good regional news program that has covered the ups and downs of the West's railways over the past few years very well and accurately but tonight they missed it a bit IMHO^▸ ('in my humble opinion').

I would suggest the report was a bit rushed and cobbled together at the last minute as they have often reported on stories like this a day or so later after the story broke in the printed news media with a better report along with an interview with someone from FGW^▸ (First Great Western) to put their side of the story across. Tonight they just read parts of a statement that was released by FGW. Not on their website I might add. I think FGW have more or less abandoned their news release section of their website but thats another topic for discussion. Do FGW have a website where they release statements to the press that we don't know about?

[JayMac]

It shouldn't affect too many people. The people who buy the savers to london and reading can probably afford an extra ^10.

And that's okay is it? What a broad sweeping and downright offensive statement. I sodding well can't afford an extra ^10; and remember it's not just ^10, it's ^10 every time you buy an Off Peak return.
My income increases in September by diddly squat percent.

Fly then

And that'll save me money with a walk up fare will it? Silly response.

I need valid photo ID to fly. Passport has not been replaced after expiry cos I can't afford it and don't plan going abroad anytime soon.
 
Don't drive (medical reasons) so no driving licence.

Cost of transfers on top of air fare.

All that time to check-in/security, arrivals etc.

5 Flights an hour from Bristol to London? Nope.

Carbon footprint (especially on internal short haul).

Legroom.

Tiny window with a great view of.....sod all.

Engines fail on a train, we slowly grind to a halt. Engines fail on a plane we grind into the ground, fast.

Many more reasons why, despite the 20% fare increase, I'll stick to trains over planes. I ain't happy about the fares increase, but I'm not sufficiently angry to withdraw my custom from FGW^▸ (First Great Western), particularly as the alternatives are even more expensive (planes), or less enjoyable (coaches).

[devon_metro]

In conclusion, FGW^▸ (First Great Western) have succeeded, more revenue to give to Alistair and crew, but passengers still willing to use the trains.

[Timmer]

but passengers still willing to use the trains.

Yep and FGW^▸ (First Great Western) and all the other TOCs^▸ (Train Operating Company) know this. Yes there will be a bit of hot air from the media for a few days but in a few weeks it will all be forgotten about until January when the process starts all over again.

[JayMac]

In conclusion, FGW^▸ (First Great Western) have succeeded, more revenue to give to Alistair and crew, but passengers still willing to use the trains.

Yup, that's unfortunately the case for me.
I think though that the money flow is currently in the other direction, what with FGW being in 'revenue support' at the moment. Maybe there has been some behind the scenes political shenanighans to get FGW back in a positon where profits are sufficient to make increased premium payments to the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about).

[Btline]

FGW^▸ (First Great Western) need to be careful.

GNER^▸ (Great North Eastern Railways) were looking at 3 tph^▸ (trains per hour) to Leeds. But NX have bumped up fares so much, that off peak demand has gone, and I've seen photos of empty off peak trains which were busier under GNER. Leeds is our third city (?) and NX have succeeded in killing off custom on a potential lucrative route.

[readytostart]

FGW^▸ (First Great Western) need to be careful.

GNER^▸ (Great North Eastern Railways) were looking at 3 tph^▸ (trains per hour) to Leeds. But NX have bumped up fares so much, that off peak demand has gone, and I've seen photos of empty off peak trains which were busier under GNER. Leeds is our third city (?) and NX have succeeded in killing off custom on a potential lucrative route.

I was gonna say you'll be putting Birmingham or Manchester's nose out of joint but they both fully believe they're second so probably no harm done!