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Avanti West Coast launches discounted ticket scheme

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Avanti West Coast has become the latest train operator to trial discounted tickets as the rail sector struggles to bring passenger numbers back to pre-pandemic levels.

PA Wire

The company is offering cheaper fares on certain routes to people who can be more flexible with their journey times.

It comes a month after Southern began selling cut-price tickets to lure commuters back on Mondays and Fridays while Transport Secretary Mark Harper recently announced fares on some LNER services will vary based on demand.

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The number of journeys made on Britain’s railways remains around a fifth below pre-Covid levels, resulting in billions of pounds in lost revenue each year.

Avanti West Coast’s Superfare scheme involves customers buying a ticket for a particular date and specifying they want to travel in the morning, afternoon or evening.

Around 24 hours before their journey, Avanti West Coast will match ticket-holders to a quieter service and inform them of their departure time.

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Tickets are available for single journeys between London and Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Preston.

They must be booked between seven and 21 days in advance. Fares are fixed at between £12 and £22. Railcard discounts do not apply.

The initiative is being trialled until the end of July.

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Avanti West Coast executive director for commercial Sarah Copley said: “Superfare tickets are aimed at customers who can be more flexible with their journeys.

“Not only does it provide a cheaper option, but it’s also quick and easy.

“We want to give our customers more cost-effective ticketing options in an innovative way when travelling with us, as well as encouraging more people to take the train.”

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Rail fares in England and Wales rose by an average of up to 5.9% earlier this month, the largest annual rise for 11 years.

Avanti West Coast’s discounted tickets must be booked through https://avantisuperfare.co.uk


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