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2.
February
2016.
BBC's Question time, questions rail fare RIP-OFFS!

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BBC's QUESTION TIME, QUESTIONS RAIL FARE RIP-OFFS.

An irate audience in Stamford, Lincolnshire, 28th January 2016, quizzed panellists about complex sky high pricing of train travel, services and routes.

Panellist Patrick McCloughlin, Conservative Transport Secretary, stated train travel is booming with yearly 4% growth. A question from audience member, Alison Wolf, asked how is it that 'Coupon Kid' Jordon Cox, rather than pay £48.80 for a train and bus to Sheffield from Shenfield, could take Ryanair flights Stansted via Berlin with bus connections for £42. 57.

Mclouglin said savings can be had by booking online and in advance.

Another audience member pointed out he was able to cut the price of a £67 Stamford to Birmingham fare, by using ‘split ticketing' trick by buying tickets online Stamford Leicester, Leicester Birmingham for £47. These aren't offered by Big Train Operators or at stations, but only by independent train buffs, like Trainsplit who can find the same fare for £37!

Shadow Minister Jess Phillips called for a look at re- nationalisation, and SNP's Westminster Representative castigated McCloughlin for byzantine pricing, compared to airline bookings. Recently he paid £168 for a London to Birmingham fare and stood all the way. If tiny companies like Trainsplit can easily help travellers, why can't big rail companies too?

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