Labour transport spokesperson, Cllr Phil Smart
Labour transport spokesperson, Cllr Phil Smart

The government’s post-pandemic ‘flexi tickets’ leave Ipswich commuters paying 149% more for train travel 

Some Ipswich commuters face forking out up to 149.5% more for train travel if they use the Government’s post-pandemic flexible season ticket scheme.

The tickets, which ministers claim “match modern working habits” and “will save passengers hundreds of pounds” could in fact cost rail-users up to £50 a day extra on some key routes – despite being touted as a way to encourage people back into the office after months of home working.

Labour has compared the cost per day of annual season tickets and the Government’s new flexi season ticket on more than 50 train routes.

The analysis shows: 

  • Ipswich commuters face paying £40 extra for a Government endorsed ‘flexi ticket’ compared to a normal annual season ticket daily cost.
  • Ipswich has the joint highest price difference in the country, with the Ipswich to London route on ‘flexi ticket’ costing £40.98 more per day than the current annual season ticket daily cost.

Labour councillor and transport spokesperson, Phil Smart said:

“Ipswich is being let down badly by the Government. This was a real chance to make train travel a more affordable option for people in Ipswich, but it seems that we’re being asked to carry the bill for the Government’s hare-brained new ticket scheme.  

“It is staggering that they are now promoting a scheme which in fact makes it more expensive for many people to use the train. It’s not fair, it doesn’t promote greener travel, and it certainly does not help our Covid recovery plans. This needs a rethink.”

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