Train fares
Author
Discussion

Rooster

Original Poster:

2,241 posts

253 months

Sunday 28th February 2010
quotequote all
I cannot believe this, I have been looking for a day return to London and its has changed the prices from £92 for two people to £121 in half an hour, WTF is that all about???? so much for wanting us to use public transport.

uk_vette

3,336 posts

220 months

Sunday 28th February 2010
quotequote all
British and European rail has always been very overpriced.

I took a train from Beijing west to Zhangjialouman, this is about 3,5 hours north of Beijing.
Cost 29 r n b = 3.00 UKP
The train was very comfortable, we were in the dining car, and it was just like it was so styled and comfortable.
.





Edited by uk_vette on Sunday 28th February 15:20

Puggit

49,148 posts

264 months

Sunday 28th February 2010
quotequote all
I think it's a little unfair to compare a privatised industry against a communist system...

Mind you, the TGV in first class is a fraction of the price of a standard intercity fair here...

uk_vette

3,336 posts

220 months

Monday 1st March 2010
quotequote all
Yes Puggit, thats quite true about the Communist state, but if it works in China, then I am sure it could work in UK ?
As I see it, the Dole, or what ever it is called now, is is one way a part of communism ?

I may be totally wrong, as I don't profess to understand much difference between communism and the UK government just handing out my hard earned tax money , , , ,

'vette

Edited by uk_vette on Monday 1st March 10:49

Hairy Cornflake

644 posts

267 months

Monday 1st March 2010
quotequote all
I caught a train from Neath to Retford last October, short stay in Neath and then to Retford so booked on the previous day £196 for a normal fare, unbelievably about £400 first class.

I live in Egypt and catch the Cairo to Alexandria train. 55 EGP first class for the non stop or 35 EGP for the stopper, just going to the station and buying a ticket.

The last time I caught a train from Retford to London Heathrow, I bought it a week in advance and travelled off peak, cost me £66 first class, that is roughly the same distance as Cairo to Alex. So in some cases there are similar fares (like for like currency not conversion) in others there is a total disparagement.

I think in the UK you have to book fares in advance and travel off peak to make them affordable.

ewenm

28,506 posts

261 months

Monday 1st March 2010
quotequote all
Depends whether you think public transport should be a public service or a private enterprise. If a public service, we all subsidise fares but it is cheaper at the point of delivery. If a private enterprise, fares will be pushed as high as possible to maximise profits, users pay more, the taxpayer pays less.

Podie

46,646 posts

291 months

Monday 1st March 2010
quotequote all
Hairy Cornflake said:
I think in the UK you have to book fares in advance and travel off peak to make them affordable.
yes

Earlier in the year, I did Rugby to Glasgow for £25 return

Deva Link

26,934 posts

261 months

Monday 1st March 2010
quotequote all
Hairy Cornflake said:
I live in Egypt and catch the Cairo to Alexandria train. 55 EGP first class for the non stop or 35 EGP for the stopper, just going to the station and buying a ticket.
You might as well moan that you didn't have the option of travelling by camel here, like you did in Egypt.

WTF have train prices in Egypt (or China) got to do with train prices in the UK?

Hairy Cornflake

644 posts

267 months

Monday 1st March 2010
quotequote all
Deva Link said:
WTF have train prices in Egypt (or China) got to do with train prices in the UK?
A comparison of prices elsewhere. Showing that the prices are similar in different countries.

Amateurish

8,140 posts

238 months

Tuesday 2nd March 2010
quotequote all
Rooster said:
I cannot believe this, I have been looking for a day return to London and its has changed the prices from £92 for two people to £121 in half an hour, WTF is that all about???? so much for wanting us to use public transport.
Where are you travelling from? Peak or offpeak, day return or longer?