Southeastern is taking part in a Flexi Season ticket trial until April 2023 for customers in parts of Kent and East Sussex in a bid to create better flexible ticketing which supports changes in commuting patterns over the past few years.
Flexi Season tickets have been popular with customers as they provide greater value for money for those travelling two to three times per week and are a fantastic choice for hybrid workers.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed that around a quarter of the working population is working to a hybrid model dividing working hours between their home and employer's premises.
The Great British Railway Transition Team are working with Southeastern for the trial, which will be ongoing until the 2nd of April, providing customers a chance to see if Flexi Season ticketing works for them.
Flexi Season Tickets provide 8-day passes through a 28-day period with a guaranteed minimum discount when compared to a monthly season ticket of 20%. Customers using the Flexi Season ticket can select their travel days upon arriving at the station and can make journeys at any time, including Peak for their chosen route.
Whilst the trial is ongoing, the discount is enhanced as the project aims to get more people back to travelling by rail.
The trial is part of plans laid out in the 2023 Bradshaw Address by the government to improve experience for customers travelling by train.
Flexi Season tickets first came into use in 2021 and have had a positive impact for customers using them as they are more appropriate for their new travel needs.
Whilst the trial is underway, Flexi Season tickets can be purchased at promotional rates until the 2nd of April and can be used for travel until the 30th of April 2023, subject to validity.
Below are some examples of how the discount works on all-day return travel:
- A Flexi Season ticket from Hastings to London Terminals costs £41.15 per pass, which is 45% less than eight equivalent Anytime Day Return tickets
- A Flexi Season ticket from Folkestone Central or Folkestone West to the same destination costs £43.41 per pass, which is 40% less than the same number of Anytime Day Returns.
- A Flexi Season ticket from Canterbury West to London Terminals (including High Speed) can work out at £51.83 per pass, which is 38% less than the Anytime Day Returns.
Alicia Andrews, Commercial Director at Southeastern said:
“Since the pandemic, commuting patterns have changed and we know people across our route are having to make their money go further.
“For those commuting two or three days a week, our Flexi Seasons will offer better value for money and convenience to travel at any time right across all our network as well as flexibility to match the way people want to work now.”
Suzanne Donnelly, Director of Passenger Revenue at the Great British Railways Transition Team, said:
“We're working with the rail industry and Department for Transport to simplify fares and develop new products that better match how our customers are living and working today.
“Times have changed, so pilots like the Southeastern Flexi Season ticket are important for testing new approaches and gathering real insights to improve rail products across the country. Ultimately, we want to inspire more people to take the train more often.”
