Virgin scraps railcard loophole on West Coast trains
Fares set to rise for some railcard users who will no longer be able to buy off-peak tickets for use on peak-time trains
Virgin has scrapped a loophole that allowed railcard users to buy cheap West Coast train tickets in a move which that will result in at least one fare rising from £54 to £217. Others will triple in price.
The company has said on bookings made after 6 September, railcard users will no longer be able to purchase off-peak tickets for use on peak-time trains – as they have been able to, until now.
The move, which brings Virgin West Coast in line with the rest of the rail industry, will particularly hit those who used to rely on the cheaper tickets to travel in and out of London. It’s also the third stealth fare increase by Virgin in six months.
An anytime return between London and Manchester currently costs £329, but the journey has been available to railcard holders at £53.85. In future, railcard users will get just a third off the full price, meaning the passenger will pay £217 – four times the previous price for the same journey.
The little-publicised move will affect all railcard holders, and will be a huge blow to those who have grown used to taking advantage of the offer. It will mean they will have to pre-book cheaper advanced fares several weeks prior to travel if they want an affordable fare.
The Guardian
http://www.theguardian.com/money/2015/aug/26/virgin-scraps-railcard-loophole-on-west-coast-trains