Rail firm extends off-peak times so passengers can cut costs by third

A concession by a leading rail firm to expand cheap off-peak travel could force more operators to do the same.

Great Western Railway has relaxed rules which block passengers from using their Network Railcard before 10am.

Previously, railcard holders travelling from Bedwyn, Wiltshire, who wanted to benefit from the one-third reduction on fares outside peak times had to wait for the 10.39am train. Now, they will be able to board the 9.39am, which arrives at Paddington at 10.56am.

Newbury MP Richard Benyon brought passengers and GWR together for talks. He said: “I am delighted GWR has listened to the concerns of passengers.”

Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the TSSA union, said the concession could set a precedent. “If GWR can do it then so can the others,” he said.

GWR said: “Listening to the views of our customers is important to us.” The company used an “easement” in regulations which allows railcards to be used before 10am in certain circumstances.

Other recent such exemptions include from Southeastern, which allows passengers to board the 9.58am train from Hastings to Victoria, and South West Trains, with the 9.40am service from Ashurst, New Forest, to Waterloo.