Misery for commuters as some off-peak rail fares axed

Passengers travelling from stations across the district will be hit by the Northern Rail decision to scrap the use of off-peak tickets during the weekday evening rush hour.

The tickets will no longer be valid between 4pm and 6.30pm, leading to accusations it is profiteering at the expense of rail users.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union slammed Northern Rail for heaping extra costs on rail users.

Acting general secretary Mick Cash said: “The axing of off-peak fares is a savage kick in the teeth for people already struggling with the burden of low pay and austerity.”

The changes are being introduced as part of Northern’s franchise agreement with the Department for Transport.

Richard Allan, commercial director for Northern Rail, said: “The majority of customers who travel at peak times, such as those with season tickets, M-cards and Metrocards, will be unaffected by these changes but we want to make sure that those who are know about what is happening.

“We have consulted extensively with local stakeholders and with Passenger Focus on the detail of this change, which is part of our new franchise agreement that was announced in March.”