Publicly owned train operators, LNER, TransPennine Express and Northern, have worked with Network Rail to launch a joint initiative that aims to make fares cheaper on routes that required an interchange between the operators.
In June 2024 a pilot was launched by publicly-owned train operators between Leeds and Manchester to make fares cheaper for customers to provide more options for people travelling across the North.
Between Leeds and Manchester, analysis of mobile network data showed that rail’s modal share was low despite competitive journey times vs car.
Further investigation found that this was due to a lack of consistent ticket options for train journeys involving more than one operator.
READ MORE: SYMCA signs 15-year framework to modernise Supertram network
Following the pilot, operators have found this initiative has already generated £200,000 in additional revenue for the railway.
Since the original trial, and by using mobile network data, the joint venture has identified further underperforming travel flows for cross-operator advance journey options and introduced more affordable fares to encourage more people to choose the train.
UK rail minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said: “This is exactly the type of collaborative work public ownership enables, allowing us to put passengers first by making train travel simpler and more affordable.
“Through these cheaper fares we’re opening up more options to people travelling across the North, putting more money in working people’s pockets and boosting connectivity and growth as part of our Plan for Change.”
Achievements and innovations in public transport planning will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
