Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, commenting on reports the Department for Transport will outline reforms to the train ticket buying process next month:

“The jumble of private companies running Britain’s railways have given us one of the most confused and complex ticketing structures in Europe.

“People want consistency and the cheapest fare for their route, but at present passengers have to navigate a bewildering ticketing structure and overpay for their journey.

“It’s unacceptable that ministers are holding back on proper reform of ticketing. With rail fares having risen by 25 per cent in the last six years alone, the government should be sticking up for struggling commuters rather than rip-off train operating companies.”