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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Sophie Halle-Richards

Avanti West Coast launch discount ticket scheme for trains to and from Manchester - but there's one catch

Avanti West Coast has announced a ticket discount trial to services to and from Manchester in a bid to boost passenger numbers.

The train operator is offering cheaper fares on certain routes for passengers who can be more flexible with their journey times.

Customers will now be able to purchase a cheaper single ticket between London and Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Preston - but they will only be informed of their travel time 24 hours before.

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The firm's Superfare scheme involves customers buying a ticket for a particular date and specifying they want to travel in the morning, afternoon or evening, the PA news agency reports.

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

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.

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.

Tickets with Avanti West Coast 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.

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."

Rail fares in England and Wales rose by an average of up to 5.9% earlier this month. It was 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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