Train tickets are set to be slashed by half as the UK Government tries to ease cost-of-living pressures with inexpensive rail travel in April and May.
More than million train tickets are being reduced this spring know as ‘Great British Rail Sale’. The Department for Transport DFT wishes that the the move will help households facing rising bills and soaring inflation to afford trips across the UK and boost domestic tourism.
The sale, can be the first of its kind, is expected to bring some Manchester to Newcastle journeys down to a cheaper over £10, while seats on some London to Edinburgh services will be from £44 to £22.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, while referring to the end of COVID restrictions said: “We’ve had two years of living life virtually, it’s time to get real and visit our beautiful country.”
Train tickets will be available on selected advance fares from f0am, with passengers they will be able to purchase them from the National Rail website.
York to Leeds: was £5.60, now £2.80
London to Edinburgh: was £44, now £22
London to Cardiff: was £47, now £25
Wolverhampton to Liverpool: was £10.50, now £5.25
Manchester to Newcastle: was £20.60, now £10.30
Birmingham New Street to Bristol Temple Meads: was £25.30, now £12.60
Portsmouth Harbour to Penzance was £45.70, now £22.00
Discounted tickets are now on sale from Tuesday April 19 and tickets should be for travel between April 25 until May 27, 2022. They must also be bought a minimum of one day before the date of travel and are available to buy online only.
Officials said “offering half-price rail tickets was one of the ways the UK Government was helping to support families with the cost of living,”
Previously announced measures to defer energy costs and offer council tax discounts for some households.
Mr Shapps said: “For the first time ever, operators across the rail industry are coming together to help passengers facing rising costs of living by offering up to 50% off more than a million tickets on journeys across Britain.
“There’s no better time to visit friends, family or just explore our great country, so book your tickets today.”
Jacqueline Starr, said: “We want everyone to be able to benefit from travelling by train because it’s more than just a journey, it’s a way to connect everyone to the people, places and things they love.
“As part of the Great British Rail Sale customers will enjoy over one million discounted tickets, so they can explore some of the fantastic locations that are accessible by rail.”
