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