5 Top Tips to Save on Rail Travel

UK rail fares may have gone up again but for Evolvi users the average cost of a ticket actually went down in 2017.
Intelligent purchasing made possible by access to the best fares, policy setting and industry-leading management information, enabled the corporate clients of TMCs to pay an average ticket value of £56.82 compared to £57.20 in 2016. In 2013, this figure stood at £59.03 and despite year-on-year fare increases of up to 3.9% since then, the average ticket value is now much lower.

As a proactive TMC Traveleads constantly looks for new and innovative ways to save our client’s money, today we bring you 5 simple tips to save on rail for 2018:

One: Be specific in the rules you set for rail travel

Create a defined travel policy, this allows you to set company-wide or individual rules to channel purchasing habits to best value fares, ie: restricting First Class travel by journey duration. If you need guidance creating or amending your travel policy Traveleads will be delighted to assist you.

Two: Book in advance

We know this is not always possible but buying in advance for a specific train time will generally generate savings. If return journeys are uncertain, consider an advance single outbound and a flexible ticket for the return. For unplanned trips check out advance purchase on the day tickets, or call a Traveleads rail expert and let us find you the lowest fares.

Three: Schedule meetings off-peak:

Meetings don’t always have to take place first thing in the morning, schedule your meetings at times that allow you to arrive off-peak, this will make your budgets go further. When booking off-peak travel make sure to check your tickets are valid.

Four: Always refund or exchange unused tickets

If a ticket isn’t used, make sure it is refunded or exchanged – For Traveleads clients using Evolvi there is an automated process for this.

Five: Take advantage of railcard discounts

We encourage all of our clients to check if their travellers are eligible for railcards and the discounts they offer. We add all railcards to fares prior to booking ensuring we offer you the lowest fares every time. If you are using the Evolvi booking process, don’t forget to include it.

If you are currently booking your rail tickets online or at the station please contact your Traveleads account manager to find out how you can reduced the cost of your rail spend by booking through a TMC