There has been talk of an "Easier Fares" initiative to reduce the complexity of ticketing and give the travelling public a reasonable shot at getting the best fare for their intended journey. However, things seem to be getting increasingly muddled.
Taking the example in the title the following Standard Day Return fares (to London Terminals and excluding "Smart" varieties) are now available (a similar assortment of Travelcards exists):
£22.70 - Anytime - No restrictions
£20.10 - Anytime - Valid only on LNER services
£17.90 - Off Peak - Valid to depart after 0929, no evening restrictions
£17.40 - Super Off Peak - Not valid to arrive before 1055, no evening return between 1614 and 1916
£15.90 - Off Peak - LNER Services Only - Valid to depart after 0930, no evening return between 1630 and 1901
£12.00 - Super Off Peak - Valid weekends and Bank Holidays only
£9.90 - Off Peak - LNER Services Only - Valid weekends and Bank Holidays only
Given the above, what chance does a ticket clerk (let alone a machine) have of making sure the passenger receives the best value ticket for their journey?
Taking the example in the title the following Standard Day Return fares (to London Terminals and excluding "Smart" varieties) are now available (a similar assortment of Travelcards exists):
£22.70 - Anytime - No restrictions
£20.10 - Anytime - Valid only on LNER services
£17.90 - Off Peak - Valid to depart after 0929, no evening restrictions
£17.40 - Super Off Peak - Not valid to arrive before 1055, no evening return between 1614 and 1916
£15.90 - Off Peak - LNER Services Only - Valid to depart after 0930, no evening return between 1630 and 1901
£12.00 - Super Off Peak - Valid weekends and Bank Holidays only
£9.90 - Off Peak - LNER Services Only - Valid weekends and Bank Holidays only
Given the above, what chance does a ticket clerk (let alone a machine) have of making sure the passenger receives the best value ticket for their journey?