A survey of 9.4 million UK rail transactions has shown that the average ticket value in 2018 has fallen by 0.9%, despite the 3.3% increase in headline rail fares in early 2018.
The audit of almost ten million fares carried out through Evolvi Rail Systems shows how average ticket values are falling. The average ticket value stood at £61.81 in 2012, the company said.
The company said the survey also showed a growing enthusiasm for mobile ticketing in the corporate sector, particularly with increasing availability of eTickets that go straight into travel wallets and do not require activation prior to travel (unlike mTickets).
Andrew Cantrell, IT director at Evolvi Rail Systems, said, "The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) is overseeing the rapid roll-out of barcoded tickets across all operators and all routes. This is something that will enhance the experience of increasingly tech-savvy business travellers and we very much hope that progress will now be made on the interoperability that will unlock the government's vision for network-wide paperless travel.
"We also welcome the proposal submitted to the Williams Review by RDG and Transport Focus for a more transparent, modern system of ticketing and fares, based on the principles of simplicity and value for money. A system that better reflects the digital economy, which uses mobile technology to create value for passengers, and which opens up opportunities to bear down on travel costs for corporate users."
The growth in technology in rail issuance has made it easier for travel management companies to issue rail tickets cost effectively.
If the proposal from the Rail Delivery Group and Transport Focus for doing away with peak fares gains acceptance, then corporate usage of rail is likely to soar. Many domestic journeys that are currently more cost effective by low-cost air carrier will suddenly become affordable again.