General Discussion

So they should go up.

After all, we have to take care of the shareholders.

They (shareholders) deserve every penny they get because of all the money they put in.

I assume you’re being ironic?

Every company is there to make money, it's not a service it's a business.  They want your money and as much as they can get, same as all the rest. You should be used to it by now, it's been like that for 20 years.

The problem is the service is integral to the country.  We need prices to be reasonable to keep people off the roads where possible.  The cost now to go to London during peak times is eye watering,

I haven't used a train in over 30 years so what is the cost to London during peak time. 

Don't know what it would be now but I do know that in March of 2017 a super off peak day return Exeter-Paddington was just shy of £85.00.

If you wanted to leave Dawlish tomorrow morning to get to Paddington for 9am, you’re not going to get any change from £259 for an Anytime Return. 

The cheapest I could get it including tube doing it via single tickets and not open or return was £235.  It's not always an option going off peak unfortunately.

I totally agree with you Flo.

The excuse used to be that the fast train to London was always packed as we all scrabbled to be in London by 9am - supply and demand.  But I've definitely noticed over the years that it's gradually become emptier, I can remember the standing days!

At those prices i am amazed anyone uses the train.

As a second thought £259 is a weeks wages for some folk.

Flybe 0700 Exeter Airport arriving London City Airport at 0810 one way £54.99 

Thanks leatash. I have looked before, unfortunately the return time is generally too early.

Flo I’ve done the fly up and train back option quite a few times since they changed the return flight time and made it earlier.  Works very well but they will charge you more than if you were buying it with a return ticket. Don’t forget the Exeter to Waterloo route is usually cheaper than the Paddington route if using the train.

UK rail fares now are ridiculously expensive unless you can book weeks or months in advance. 

thanks @DJ, i've never really used the waterloo option as it always used to take so long compared to paddington, might have to revisit this decision and stop being a stick-in-the-mud!. fly up/train back would be difficult if i'd have to leave my car at the airport unless i used digby and sowton i guess although i've never tried it. 

I try my best not to go to London, we have such good video links these days it's not always necessary but sometimes you have to and booking so far in advance isn't an option.

I've not done this myself (yet) but would split ticketing be of any help?

http://www.raileasy.co.uk/home/split-ticketing

Sometimes you can save substantial amounts by splitting your journey but staying on the same train. I have saved over £40 on two occasions this year. It doesn’t always work though, I think it depends on where and how far you are travelling. If I am travelling up to Manchester or Derbyshire I know to split my ticket at Bristol, Cheltenham and Birmingham New Street.