15.11.16
‘Urgent action’ needed to deliver part-time season tickets, says CBT
Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) renewed its calls for part-time season tickets as it backed a week of campaigning for smarter commuting.
The pressure group said that current arrangements for season tickets do not help part-time workers or those who work regularly from home, who are forced to buy fully priced season tickets or one-off tickets.
CBT made its call as part of Commute Smart Week 2016, which runs from 13 to 19 November.
The campaign, organised by Work Wise UK, is intended to encourage employers to review their working practices, including by adopting smarter working and encouraging employees to travel outside peak commuting times.
James MacColl, head of campaigns at CBT, said: “We need to see a ticketing system that reflects modern working patterns and makes rail travel affordable for the 8.5 million people who work part-time or regularly work from home.
“It is time for the government to work with train operating companies and take urgent action to ensure part-time commuters get the same discounts as full-time commuters.”
As of last month, the Consumer Rights Act applies to the rail industry, making it easier for passengers to claim compensation for delays.
However, the CBT called for further reforms to the process, including clarity on whether passengers can claim compensation for poor-quality service as well as delays.
(Image c. Alvey and Towers)
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