Rail fares in Britain are much too high and are preventing the rail network playing a proper role in reducing road traffic.

Railfuture is campaigning for a national railcard which exists in other European countries and which could cut the cost of fares by 50%.

But there are still bargains around.

For instance:

All Scotland, all weekend, for £15 with a Young person’s railcard


Buy a Weekend Rover valid on all Scotrail services (not sleepers, Virgin or GNER). Only for student/young person railcard holders. Only weekends 13-14 Oct to 3-4 Nov.


http://www.scotrail.co.uk/yproffer.htm


Two for one (with voucher) on Wales & West Trains


Valid for most single or day return journeys. One place these vouchers have appeared is the current Railway World (£2.50) so if your ticket costs more than that, a bookstall visit seems in order. Just flourish the voucher when you buy your ticket.


http://www.serco-online.com/html/promotions/promotion_documents/free_train_ticket_offer.htm


Three months free with most railcards


Buy or renew your railcard now to get 15 months for the price of 12. Applies to national railcards & Network Railcard but not to local schemes like Highland, Cornwall or Dales. Should happen automatically when you apply: all current leaflets are flashed 15 for 12.


http://www.serco-online.com/html/promotions/promotion_documents/national_railcard_15_months_for_the_price_of_12.htm


25-33% off many First Great western fares


You just need a voucher from fGW's website, local newspapers, beermats & elsewhere. Tickets offered are (Super) Savers: you have to buy in advance but no need to book specific trains/seats. Further discount for national railcard holders.


http://www.serco-online.com/html/promotions/promotion_documents/autumn_promotion_gw.htmhttp://www.great-western-trains.co.uk/october_promotion/index.html


YP railcard discount increased to 50% on Arriva Northern SuperAdvances


Usual discount is 34%. Only applies where Arriva Northern sets this fare: full list on the webpage.


http://www.serco-online.com/html/promotions/promotion_documents/an_sar_offer.htm


Don't forget timetables changed on Sunday 30September 2001 so your old ones need to go to recycling.


It's also a good time to buy a new OAG (ex ABC) Railguide as it has the new timetables & fare changes where there are any. £7.25 from main station bookstalls. Warning: usually sells out fast.


Rover tickets are also still available. You can check them at:


http://www.serco-online.com/html/fares/rovers.htm


You may also find other fare bargains on the Railwatch website at http://www.railwatch.org.uk/fares.html