Southeastern have launched a page on their website called “Our ticket types explained”. It promises: “Are you confused about what ticket is the best value for your journey? We’ve created this quick guide so you can compare and find the right ticket for you”. Unfortunately it seems that Southeastern have created a system that has left them as confused as their passengers!
Continue readingThe National Rail website is now showing the Contactless option for passengers.
But there are two problems.
Continue readingThe Contactless system is finally now live for Sevenoaks, Otford, Shoreham and Eynsford.
However the details have a number of gotchas, and many people will still need to think about their journey carefully before using it.
Continue readingThe Department for Transport have announced that from 2 February the contactless readers – which have been at our stations for over a year – will finally be switched on.
In principle this is a welcome step forward – and one we have been demanding for years. It should make travel easier for peak time rail users.
However there are many travellers who may end up paying more if they use contactless.
Continue readingOn 3 December South Eastern Trains introduced restrictions on use of off-peak fares from Sevenoaks and other stations that increase costs for many rail travellers. This was brought in “overnight” with minimal consultation and no public communication. The changes to fares must be suspended until DfT, the train operators and TfL are ready to deliver a system which includes benefits as well as costs for most users.
Continue readingThe Department for Transport have apparently told the train operators that they should cease offering wifi if they “cannot justify it financially”.
This is a backward step. As the Chief Executive of Transport Focus has said: “Access to wifi is something many passengers now expect as standard. It helps people use their travel time productively and is something which could encourage more people to use rail over other modes.”