Recently, First Great Western introduced a lower 'FGW Only' fare for SDR, CDR & weekly seasons for many journeys in South Wales where they operate journeys alongside Arriva TW. See: http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=705
As the controller of the fares in this region, Arriva were unable to "compete," by offering lower-priced "walk up" fares 'ATW Only' for the same journeys. However, Arriva have hit back by reducing the 'Any Permitted' fares, to about 10p BELOW the 'FGW Only' fares, making the 'FGW Only' ones totally pointless: http://www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/ViewContent.aspx?id=2474
This means that customers will now ask for the "old" ticket (now at a reduced price) and FGW will not get 100% of the revenue, but the revenue will be shared using the railway mechanism.
Swansea to Cardiff SDR is now £6.40 ('FGW Only' £6.50), the CDR £4.90 ('FGW Only' £5.00). First operates a coach service between Cardiff & Swansea priced at £6 rtn (see: http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/wales/swwales/shuttle/index.php) - so it seems First may have to reduce their coach fares too. Seems First may have scored an own goal and THEY will end up being the losers in the "fares war" THEY started.
As the controller of the fares in this region, Arriva were unable to "compete," by offering lower-priced "walk up" fares 'ATW Only' for the same journeys. However, Arriva have hit back by reducing the 'Any Permitted' fares, to about 10p BELOW the 'FGW Only' fares, making the 'FGW Only' ones totally pointless: http://www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/ViewContent.aspx?id=2474
This means that customers will now ask for the "old" ticket (now at a reduced price) and FGW will not get 100% of the revenue, but the revenue will be shared using the railway mechanism.
Swansea to Cardiff SDR is now £6.40 ('FGW Only' £6.50), the CDR £4.90 ('FGW Only' £5.00). First operates a coach service between Cardiff & Swansea priced at £6 rtn (see: http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/wales/swwales/shuttle/index.php) - so it seems First may have to reduce their coach fares too. Seems First may have scored an own goal and THEY will end up being the losers in the "fares war" THEY started.