London TravelWatch is urging passengers to renew their season tickets before Monday 2 January 2012 to avoid this year’s price rises.  The passenger watchdog also reminds passengers to claim any discounts they may be entitled to and to always check that the ticket they buy is the best value for them.

Sharon Grant, Chair, London TravelWatch, said: “Commuters who renew their annual rail tickets before 2 January can save money and beat the fare increases.  Fares will rise substantially, so, it is more important than ever to check that passengers claim any discounts they may be entitled to.”

Our money saving tips include:

Passengers can take advantage of the benefits that come with an annual Gold Card which is issued with Annual Season Tickets or Annual Travelcards issued on Oyster card. This gives a  ⅓ discount on all off-peak journeys made outside the zones on your Travelcard, and on longer distance national rail journeys in the South East of England.

Passengers can also save money by purchasing Railcards. In the case of Young Persons (16-25), Senior (60+) and Disabled Persons railcards, these also entitle passengers to ⅓ off Oyster Pay As You Go off-peak fares if the railcard is added to your Oyster card.

People in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance are also entitled to a 50% reduction in the cost of Oyster Pay As You Go bus fares. Details of this scheme can be found at: www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/14306.aspx.

Information on the fare rises on all services are available on the Transport for London website, ww.tfl.gov.uk, the Association of Train Operating Companies website, www.atoc.org or from your regular train company, details of which are available on the London TravelWatch website,  www.londontravelwatch.org.uk

For more information, please contact the London TravelWatch press office on 020 7726 9953

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