RAIL watchdog Transport Focus (TF) has accused Network Rail of badly letting down passengers after it was announced confirmed timetable information, which allows the booking of advance tickets, would not be available for the next six months to the usual rolling 12-week window from the May 20 timetable change.
Known as ‘T minus 12’, it means timetables for available routes have been agreed between Network Rail and train operators after consideration of line closures for engineering work.
In some cases, the 12-week margin will shrink to six weeks or even four in some cases, meaning advance tickets will be on sale much later than usual.
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TF chief executive Anthony Smith said: “Passengers have been badly let down and will be deeply frustrated that they can’t make plans with certainty.
“They are also at risk of paying more, so we will monitor the effectiveness of the industry’s no-quibble commitment.”
In addition, TF is insisting if passengers buying a more expensive ticket later find a cheaper ticket becomes available, they should get a no-quibble refund.
Read more in March’s issue of The RM – on sale now!
