Trafford MP concerned about Northern Rail off-peak ticket changes

Kate Green MP said she is worried the changes could leave passengers having to pay more for their train journeys.

Consumer watchdog, Passenger Focus, is also warning passengers travelling on Northern Rail that they could be hit by fare rises of more than 100 per cent on some routes.

The changes will take effect from September 8 and will mean that off-peak tickets can no longer be used at peak times during weekday evenings (between 4.01pm and 6.29pm).

Customers who currently use off-peak tickets during the evening peak will now either have to travel earlier or later, or buy an anytime ticket.

Freedom pass users aren’t affected.

The changes come into place as part of Northern Rail’s franchise agreement with the Department for Transport.

Last month Ms Green conducted a survey among her constituents to find out their views on the current Manchester Oxford Road-Liverpool Lime Street Northern Rail service calling at Trafford Park, Humphrey Park, Urmston, Chassen Road and Flixton.

The MP has submitted the results of the survey to the government’s consultation on the future of the Northern and TransPennine Express Rail franchises.

This consultation will inform the specification provided to bidders for the next franchises due in February 2016, which will impact upon the Northern Rail service at our local stations.

Ms Green has also written to the Minister for Transport to share local people’s concerns.

She said: “I am very concerned to hear about the changes Northern Rail are making to the use of off peak tickets.

“Many local residents have told me that the full fare during peak times is extortionate and it’s unacceptable for people to be told they’ve no choice but to pay the price when they need to travel most.

“Northern Rail should concentrate on tackling fare dodging and collecting all the fares that should be paid, rather than raising the price for the already hard-pressed passenger.”