Flexible rail tickets

Flexible rail tickets go on sale for part-time commuters, so what does that mean?

New flexible tickets went on sale from Monday 21st June aimed at commuters in who only travel to work two or three days a week.

These new tickets can be used for eight days in any month-long period of time

The National Rail website will now allow passengers to calculate savings and book the new tickets.

It is part of the government's plan to shakeup rail services. It’s being introduced immediately to accommodate the trend for more home-working.

A new state-owned body, Great British Railways (GBR), will set rail timetables and prices, sell tickets and manage rail infrastructure from 2023.

These new flexible season tickets are being introduced separately, ahead of the new changes, and can be used from 28th June.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said in a statement online that the new tickets would offer "greater freedom and choice about how we travel, simpler ticketing and a fairer fare".

The government has estimated commuters could save between £60 and £350 a year on selected journeys. However, a rail expert said in a statement online that people needed to be cautious because the new system offers a finite number of journeys whereas a season ticket allows people to use the train as much as they want.

Here’s how you can acquire them and what they can be used for.

• Digital flexi-tickets can be used on any eight days in a 28-day period England without being required to select the days of travel in advance

• They can be bought on rail websites and apps, as well as at some ticket offices

• Tickets are paperless, so travellers will have to use a smartphone or smartcard

• An online calculator will help passengers identify the cheapest option

• Until the end of this year, passengers who book in advance will be able to change their bookings with no extra charge

• The tickets are for standard class travel only