Pricing

266

13 Feb 2017, 2:57 pm #906

(12 Feb 2017, 11:30 pm)Andreos1 7%?! That's a canny hike. Over what sort of period was that? Is it for all tickets or just certain types?

I still struggle to believe mobile tickets increase boarding times as quickly as stated. I've seen similar comments to the ones you have seen and I can't get my head around it - particularly when drivers have to squint at phones or the app (inevitably crashes).

For once, I have to agree with eezypeazy (shock horror) and say that there is some elasticity with passengers - even if it is just some passengers. Maybe it all depends on the alternatives for them?

Without making this all about me (I'm only giving examples of bus use), I thought I would share the options when travelling to and from the station.

* Blag a lift. Not always an option, due to other people's commitments.

* Use a taxi. When a taxi is hitting the £20 mark and you're using it a few times a week, it soon adds up.

* Park at the station. Durham station doesn't have the biggest car park in the world and it costs circa £13 a day. It is a gamble taking the car through. The walk from the bigger of the car parks to platform 1 isn't easy with luggage/bags.

* Use the bus. Pay £4.20 singles, unless returning the same day.

If I still lived in Durham, instantly at least two of the options become more viable. Walking could even be an option.
For those who do live nearer the station, then demand has the elasticy mentioned - including the choice of bus operator. An increase by one operator in a previously competitive fare may see passengers use an alternative option.

The 7% is for Day, weekly and monthly tickets. Single fares went up slightly more modestly, but that assumes fare stages weren't moved at the same time.

The point about elasticity is that services are deteriorating fastest in low(er) car ownership areas, with "bus wars" (with reduced fares) reserved either for trendy areas with increasing affluence (commuters).

"Blagging a lift" is usually a non starter, as the car-less tend to be single, have fewer friends locally, and have different travelling patterns to car owning friends and relations. Also, and am not sure if this is still true today; Friends don't tend to offer lifts unless its likely to be returned "in kind".

Taxis: If you can afford regular taxi fares, you can afford a car! Again, the car-less don't usually travel to the same place at the same time as friends/relatives with a car.

Car parking: Obviously not relevant to the car-less, but I'm surprised parking at a rail station is so expensive. I think parking at Manchester Piccadilly is about £4 a day, but it might be more expensive before 0930ish on weekdays. Only Manchester Airport, Hospitals and some city centre Car parks charge large fees in GM. Where services are deteriorating in the poorer suburbs, most parking is free - thanks to Supermarkets.

Tamesider