Beat the train fare increases

An inflation-busting increase in UK train fares has been announced. At a time when the government says inflation is 2.5% and money is getting tighter all round, train companies are going to increase their fares by 6% or more from January.

This is becoming a regular spectacle. Prices are regularly increased by more than the rate of inflation, and the reasons given are usually to provide funds for investment in improving rail services or even that rail services have improved and therefore a higher price is justified.

This time is no exception, with the Association of Train Operating Companies announcing that fare increases are needed to fund investments to improve the railways.

In Brighton City Hall, there is a poster from the early 1900s for The Brighton Express, a train service that ran from London Victoria to Brighton and took only an hour to complete the journey. Today, the journey time from London to Brighton takes how long? An hour, that's how long. So in over 100 years, the journey time has not improved.

I know this sounds like a bit of a rant, but I am sick and tired of hard working men and women being treated like a cash cow. So here are some ways to cut your train fares.

If you are a commuter, don't buy daily tickets. If you get a weekly ticket, it will cost about as much as three daily tickets. That will allow you to travel for seven days. You're only going to use it for five days, but it's still cheaper than getting five daily tickets. If you get a monthly ticket, it will be even cheaper, although the saving over the weekly ticket is not as dramatic. And if you get an annual ticket, it works out at even better value. If you're concerned that you might not have your job for the rest of the year, then you can simply hand in your ticket when you have finished with it and it's cost will be recalculated for how long you did use it for. You will get a refund for the balance.

If you aren't a commuter, but you travel by train occasionally, then look at a railcard.

You can get railcards for £24 if you are aged between 16 and 25 or if you are over 60. Railcards can give you a third off of the price of a ticket, and quickly pay for themselves.

If you fall outside those age groups, but you live in the south East of England, you can get a Network Railcard for £20, which will give you a third off of the ticket price. In addition, up to three other adults who are travelling with you can get the same discount, and you can also take up to four children with you who will get 80% off of the normal adult fare.

Buying your ticket as far in advance as you can will also give you discounts.

Remember, the train companies are out to get as much money from you as they can. You should take a similar attitude towards them. Give them as little money for the service they provide as you can get away with.