The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) comprising seven UK-based rail companies has agreed to allow long distance passengers to buy cheaper advance tickets up to ten minutes before the departure of the train.

The initiative will allow the passengers of Grand Central, Greater Anglia, Northern, TransPennine Express, Virgin Trains East Coast, Virgin Trains West Coast and Caledonian Sleeper to buy tickets on the day of travel.

Rail operator CrossCountry previously introduced the service in 2015 and has since reportedly sold more than one million journeys with Advance tickets.

Advance tickets are reduced fares for a limited number of seats on specific trains, which now can be purchased as little as ten minutes before the time of departure.

The decision is expected to help those passengers who need to make urgent train journeys for professional or personal reasons.

"Not everyone can plan journeys in advance and now more people can buy cheaper tickets on the day, even on their way to the station."

Rail Delivery Group Customer Experience managing director Jacqueline Starr said: “Not everyone can plan journeys in advance, and now more people can buy cheaper tickets on the day, even on their way to the station.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“We want customers to get the best possible deal whenever they travel. With 97% of your fare going back into running and improving the railway, investment is driving quicker improvement, more choice and greater freedom.”

Advance tickets had previously only been available to buy until midnight on the day before the journey in most cases.

RDG noted that the sale of Advance tickets has increased nearly four-fold in the last ten years.

In addition, passengers can now also see online when only a few Advance tickets are left, according to the action plan for fares and ticketing agreed by the rail industry.

The step will allow the passengers to browse and take and advantage of the most competitive prices.