For a long time, three train operating companies have run trains from Leeds to York, charging high walk-up fares for the distance between the two cities inter-available across them all. First TransPennine Express and CrossCountry are adept at the use of Advance tickets (although one a little more than the other!) to manage their revenue. Neither have seen fit, for years on end, to sell Advance tickets between Leeds and York - despite CrossCountry having been selling them between Leeds and Sheffield for years, TPE between Huddersfield and York or Leeds and Thirsk and the East Coast franchise having recently introduced them between Doncaster and Leeds and Doncaster and York. From the 17th May however, it would appear that all Blackpool North - York trains are 'faux-reservable' and AP NORTHERN ONLY fares between Leeds and York are now available at £3, £5 and £7. As far as I can see they haven't introduced any to anywhere but Garforth, Cross Gates and Leeds from York yet, and the only place I can find them from Blackpool to is Manchester Stations. Not having York to Manchester is really missing a trick.
I for one am now pleased that there is a way to bridge this ridiculously expensive gap between counties. I wonder if it will call the others' bluff.
I have to say it seems odd to focus on this though. I'm sure they know TPE have been jacking up the Leeds - York fares for years and trying to squeeze money out of people thus damaging the links between the two cities economies, but surely things like York - Burnley or Leeds - Preston are more like what people will be willing to book in advance for? I would much rather a reasonably priced day return existed, (like this one, maybe) but as the chances of that are almost zero, at least this offers a way to get around it.
I for one am now pleased that there is a way to bridge this ridiculously expensive gap between counties. I wonder if it will call the others' bluff.
I have to say it seems odd to focus on this though. I'm sure they know TPE have been jacking up the Leeds - York fares for years and trying to squeeze money out of people thus damaging the links between the two cities economies, but surely things like York - Burnley or Leeds - Preston are more like what people will be willing to book in advance for? I would much rather a reasonably priced day return existed, (like this one, maybe) but as the chances of that are almost zero, at least this offers a way to get around it.
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