How to get the most out of rail travel
Greater Anglia is advising customers how they can benefit from the best value fares ahead of the national fares increase next month.
From 5th March 2023, fares will rise by an average of 5.9% and customers are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to benefit from cheaper prices.
Anyone buying tickets for travel after 5th March can benefit from 2022 prices if they buy between now and March 4.
Customers buying tickets from 5th March onwards will be charged the new fares.
Martin Moran, Commercial Director, Greater Anglia, said: “If you buy a ticket between now and 4 March, even for travel after 5 March, the ticket will be sold at the current price. The new fares will only start to be sold on and from 5 March itself.
“We want customers to benefit from the best value fares. When using ticket machines, customers can select the ‘cheapest fare’ button and anyone purchasing Advance tickets via our website can use the ‘best fare finder’.”
Customers are also reminded to buy direct from the Greater Anglia website or app, as the train operator does not charge booking fees.
There will be no changes to car parking charges across the Greater Anglia network from 5th March. A trial discounting the cost of parking is currently underway at 14 stations
Tariffs have been reduced at Audley End, Billericay, Bishop’s Stortford, Broxbourne, Diss, Harlow Town, Hatfield Peverel, Kelvedon, Lowestoft, Manningtree, March, Marks Tey, Rayleigh, Whittlesford and Wickford.
The trial follows the introduction of new, hourly parking tariffs at 30 Greater Anglia station car parks, so people have a cheaper option if they’re not planning to park all day, reflecting the way work patterns have changed since the pandemic.
Last year, Greater Anglia also launched a new flexible car parking season ticket – giving rail passengers who park at stations two or three days a week on a regular basis a discount of up to 12.5 per cent.
The flexible parking season ticket gives eight parking sessions which have to be used within 28 days of purchase – matching the new Flexi Season train ticket. The eight parking sessions can be used on any day – there is no need to specify them in advance.
Customers are reminded that strike action will affect services on 16th, 18th, 30th March and 1st April. Anyone travelling on those days is advised to check before they travel.