This is a letter in today’s Times. Although aimed at the current discussion on possible road pricing, it rather sums up nicely what is wrong with present day rail ticketing.
“Sir, If road pricing is to be introduced (letters, Nov 17) the system should mirror that experienced by rail users: as complex and incomprehensible as possible. For instance, a single journey would be almost the same as a return; routes between destinations would allow no deviations. Missing one’s slot or being on the wrong road at the wrong time would incur wrath, public humiliation, a demand to pay the full fare, a penalty charge and threat of a court summons. Maybe competing private companies would be set up with their own rules, fares and charges. All this could mean there’d be hundreds of different charges for a simple journey. What fun!”
“Sir, If road pricing is to be introduced (letters, Nov 17) the system should mirror that experienced by rail users: as complex and incomprehensible as possible. For instance, a single journey would be almost the same as a return; routes between destinations would allow no deviations. Missing one’s slot or being on the wrong road at the wrong time would incur wrath, public humiliation, a demand to pay the full fare, a penalty charge and threat of a court summons. Maybe competing private companies would be set up with their own rules, fares and charges. All this could mean there’d be hundreds of different charges for a simple journey. What fun!”