A PLANNED overhaul of Britain’s rail fares may result in consumers paying more, it emerged last week. Train companies have agreed to simplify fares by cutting the number of different ticket types from dozens to just three: advance, anytime and off-peak.

However, train companies will no longer issue refunds for cancelled tickets and the cost of amending a booking will double from the typical £10 to £20.

The move is expected to hit those who try to book months in advance to save money, as they are most likely to cancel as circumstances change. Advance fares, available from May 18, will cover all discounted tickets bought before the day of travel. They will replace myriad tickets, such as Leisure Advance, Business Advance, Value Advance and Apex.

Anytime tickets, to go on sale on September 7, will be the most expensive tickets. Off-Peak, also available from September 7, will cover discounted tickets bought on the day of travel.

Gerry Doherty, leader of the TSSA transport union, said: “These changes are meant to make travel easier.

“They should not be used as an excuse by the rail companies to increase profits by scrapping refunds and doubling the fee for changing journey times.

“Once again, passengers are being taken for a ride on the most expensive railway network in Europe.”

The Association of Train Operating Companies defended the new policy by saying that it will simplify travel for passengers.

The watchdog Passenger Focus said that it was unfair to refuse refunds to passengers who were forced to book up to three months in advance to get affordable tickets. However, it was pleased with most of the new measures.

Full details of the changes are being made available via leaflets and posters at stations and also on the National Rail website (nationalrail.co.uk/ simplefares).

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