Chair at IRR responds to Rail Magazine: Why fare choice matters

Anthony Smith, Chair at Independent Rail Retailers has responded to Christian Wolmar’s sentiments on ‘How Great British Railways can help lift the gloom’.

Independent rail retailers are changing the game for rail travel in Great Britain

For years, the annual fare rise cycle was a triple own goal for the rail industry. The dreaded January price hikes arrived at the worst possible time – after Christmas, in the cold and dark, when commuters were already reluctant to return to work. It made for great headlines, but bad optics. 

With the announcement that Great British Railways is going to be selling its own tickets, the future for the retail market is going to be very competitive and consumer-focused.

The way we buy train tickets in Britain is changing. With the government pressing ahead with rail reform, now is the time to ask: what do passengers actually want? Find out more from our Chair, Anthony Smith in the latest issue of Passenger Transport.

Independent Rail Retailers welcome this long-awaited step towards rail reform and the Government’s commitment to working with the private retail sector to create a fair, competitive market that delivers better value for passengers and taxpayers.

Independent Rail Retailers (IRR) are pleased to announce Omio as the latest addition to its growing network of members.

Following the announcement of Great British Railways’ plans for online rail ticket retailing, Anthony Smith, Chair of Independent Rail Retailers, said…