Liberal Democrat MP Adam Dance has called on Andy Burnham's government to look seriously at cutting train travel costs for passengers aged 31 and over, warning there is a real gap in support for commuters and holidaymakers after their 31st birthday.
Railcard gap for over-31s
Mr Dance, MP for Yeovil, highlighted that a range of railcards are available for younger passengers aged 16 to 30, those over 60, military veterans, and disabled people. However, passengers aged 31 and over lack a comparable nationwide discount, with the Network Railcard offering a third off most off-peak fares only in London and parts of southern England.
"Rail travel is simply too expensive for too many people and once you turn 31 there is a real gap in the support available," he told the Press Association.
National action needed
The government earlier this summer announced changes to the 16-17 Saver Railcard, which gives eligible teenagers 50% off most fares. The railcards currently expire when the holder turns 18, but from Monday, they will be valid for a full year after purchase.
The Mirror newspaper reported earlier this month that Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, is considering ways to lower rail fares more widely, with discussions in Whitehall at a "very early stage". Mr Dance said: "I welcome any serious proposals to bring down fares, including those being discussed by Andy Burnham, but ultimately we need national action."
"The Government should look seriously at extending railcard discounts so affordable rail travel is available to people of all ages and in every part of the country."
Regional inequality
The Yeovil MP last year launched a bid in Parliament for "more affordable and accessible rail travel options and incentives for people age 30-50 for the benefit of the environment and economy", by tabling an early day motion. Adults can buy a Network Railcard for discounted travel to and from stations in Mr Dance's constituency in the South West, but only if the journey begins or ends in the travel zone.
This means the card could reduce the price of tickets to destinations elsewhere in the country, such as King's Lynn in Norfolk, Margate in Kent, or Northampton. However, it could not be used for discounts to stations in the South West outside the Network Railcard area, including Bristol Temple Meads, Torbay, Swindon, or Plymouth.
"The Network Railcard helps some passengers but across much of the West Country, it simply isn't available," Mr Dance said. "People in Somerset should not have to pay more just because of where they live."
Zoe Billingham, director of the IPPR North think tank, has also called for ministers to consider rolling out more discounted fares in northern England. "It's not right that there's a Network Railcard that offers discounted off-peak travel for the South East of England only," she said. "The North has suffered the double blow of unreliable train services on Victorian infrastructure whilst paying full fares."
IPPR North would welcome a review of how a railcard scheme could be applied in the North and other regions outside the South East, to help reduce the cost of living no matter where you live and put an end to historic southern exceptionalism.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "This Government is committed to making transport affordable for everyone, which is why we recently announced changes to the 16-17 Saver railcard and have frozen regulated rail fares for the first time in 30 years."
"Making travel fairer and more affordable is central to the vision for Great British Railways, and we're already delivering with digital pay as you go trials expanded to make tap-in, tap-out travel easier and more convenient. By delivering simpler fares and putting passengers first, we're creating a railway that's easier to use, better value for money and focused on meeting the everyday needs of the people who rely on it."
