UK/IRELAND: BRANSON AIMING TO EXPAND RAIL EMPIRE

Article Abstract:

Richard Branson, owner of the Virgin group, has expressed an interest in taking over the Dublin to Belfast railway line. Branson revealed that he had already held talks with Mo Mowlam, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The move reflects considerable change within the Irish rail network. The Government of the Republic of Ireland wants to privatise Irish Rail, following the break up of its parent company, CIE. It is likely to include setting up one company to manage the tracks and allowing private operators to run rail services. It has also announced a national development plan which will spend GB[pound] 500mn on safety and rail maintenance. In Northern Ireland the Government is considering a number of options for its network, including closing lesser used lines and consolidating the network.

New capacity, new plant construction, Virgin Air Inc., Branson, Richard, Irish Rail

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UK: RISING PRICE OF TRAIN TICKETS

Article Abstract:

The cost of travelling on certain UK train services has increased by up to 300% over the last four years, deterring many passengers and undermining the government's drive to reduce car usage. Many train operators have bumped up the prices of 'turn up and go' tickets by more than inflation, with the average cost of the popular walk-on SuperSavers ticket up 20% since 1996. According to a study by the Rail Passengers' Council (RPC), rail travel is around 40% more costly in real terms compared to 30 years ago. The research, based on 2,300 ticket prices, revealed that the average rise in fares over the four-year period was 15%, compared to an inflation rate of 11%.

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UK: SEPARATE RAIL TICKETS CAN PROVE FAR CHEAPER

Article Abstract:

Bu splitting up long journeys into separate chunks, rail passengers can, in some cases, make considerable savings on the cost of long journeys. Whilst a "Supersaver" ticket from Penzance to Birmingham costs GB[pound] 78 from Virgin Trains, if the journey is split into three sections with a Great Western Supersaver ticket from Penzance to Cheltenham costing GB[pound] 48 and a ticket Wales and West charges GB[pound] 12.80 for from Cheltenham to Birmingham, the passenger can save GB[pound] 16.20. Independent travel consultant Barry Doe argues that the Strategic Rail Authority should be given the power to set rail fares.

Commodity & service prices, Prices and rates, Railroad rates, Rail, Virgin Trains

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