With First Great Western (FGW) set to introduce a new ‘Super Off-Peak’ ticket early in September, Bath MP has criticised the move saying it will only add to confusion for passengers.

Currently FGW have an Off-Peak and Peak ticket. The new Super Off-Peak ticket will be at the same price as the current Off-Peak ticket, with Off-Peak prices rising by 20%. Super Off-Peak travel will force people to leave Bath later in the morning, and also deny a return from London between 3pm and 7pm. Don said,

Travelling from Bath to London on the train already involves one of the most expensive journeys per mile in the world. Adding extra restrictions on cheaper leisure travel is hardly going to encourage more families to use the railways. Moving to three types of fare only add confusion, and many people won’t even know what ticket to buy.

Don added, “If you use an electronic ticket machine, it doesn’t provide any information on journey restrictions. I have grave worries about people being caught out.” Don Foster has written to First group outlining my concerns, but his advice to passengers is, where possible, try and book your train tickets in advance of travel.

The move comes only months after a train company advertisement campaign on fare simplification, with advertisement posters proudly displaying “off-peak”, “anytime” and “advance” tickets.

Please let Shaun and Will know your views on this move my First Great Weston my emailing us.