Local MP Alan Mak has welcomed Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris to the Havant Constituency to launch the new National Flexible Rail ticket. During a tour of local stations at Havant, Emsworth and Warblington, they discussed ways local services could be improved, as well as meeting passengers and station staff.
Matching modern working habits and saving passengers hundreds of pounds, the new tickets – which are now on sale – gives choice to travellers who may need to travel two to three days a week, rather than all five working days. The new National Flexible Rail tickets respond to some of the rapid changes in working practices which have accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic, whilst also encouraging people back on to the rail network.
Mr Mak said: “Many residents travel on trains, including for work, shopping and to see family and friends, and I’ve been campaigning for more flexible train tickets for several years. I’m delighted to have secured a visit from the Rail Minister to meet passengers in the Havant Constituency and promote the new flexible season tickets. The way people work and travel is changing, with growing numbers working from home for at least part of their week. This is a great opportunity for our area, helping local people save money whilst still supporting our rail network.”
Mr Heaton-Harris said: “This is one of the biggest reforms to our railways in a generation. The new flexible tickets will make it simpler and cheaper for many people to commute, as well as giving them greater control over how they work. It will be a great boon for residents across the Havant Constituency, which already enjoys fantastic rail links to Portsmouth, Southampton and London”.
Commuters based in the Havant Constituency can find out the whether the new tickets can benefit them, using the online season ticket calculator: National Rail Enquiries - Season Ticket Calculator
