PRESS RELEASE : “The rail sector has the opportunity to be the spine of a travel experience revolution” – PwC comment on public transport reforms [February 2023]

The press release issued by PWC on 8 February 2023.

Grant Klein, public sector transport leader at PwC, said:

“Changes to rail fares and ticketing are a necessary and positive step in responding to changing public needs since the pandemic, and reflecting other consumer trends.

“The rail sector now has the opportunity to be the spine of a travel experience revolution and a catalyst in redefining how we use rail alongside other modes of travel. To achieve this, fares and ticketing need to be joined up across all forms of public transport, particularly incorporating emerging micro mobility modes, such as dockless e-bike and e-scooter schemes. This is how rail can kick-start the smart mobility revolution, helping us all to choose the right combination of travel options for each journey. Giving clearer information on the carbon impact of each journey would also empower people to make more informed travel decisions.

“It’s positive that the Transport Secretary called out how Great British Railways will work in a five region structure. But in that context, it is critical that any changes support levelling-up the UK, by devolving some aspect of fare setting to the cities and regions where we are travelling. For example, fares could include a proportion that is centrally defined, as well as a locally-set amount topping the fare up, from which revenues can be kept for local travel schemes.”