Those of you that board a train only to find that all the seats have been taken and there are people crowding the aisles may welcome a new initiative – standing room-only carriages.
Ministers have been urged by the Institute for Economic Affairs to rip out the seating from sections of trains in order to accommodate the rising numbers of people using the nation’s railways.
While the majority of carriages will remain seated, for a price reduction of up to 20% the public can choose to stand up, as seen on the Metro or London Underground.
MM asked the people of Manchester whether or not they think the plan is a good idea.
Would you buy a standing-room ticket for a price reduction of up to 20%?
|
Yes |
90% |
|
No |
10% |
Michelle Farrar, a 35-year-old teacher from West Didsbury, said: “I think I would for a short journey, but on a longer journey a bit more of a discount would be encouraging.”
Retired Denis Nichols, 67, from Sale, agreed: “If there’s room, but it depends how long for.”
James Williamson, 24, a sales assistant from Stalybridge, liked the idea of cheaper tickets: “Any way that they can make it cheaper is a good thing. We are one of the worst countries in Europe for train fares and we need to bring it down a bit.”
Tom Mortimer, a 16-year-old student from Altrincham, also welcomed the idea of less expense on travel: “It’s a good idea if it helps us to save money.”
Recruitment director Kay Chhabra, 29, of Deansgate, said: “I think with the train situation at the moment they oversell the tickets, especially off-peak. But it depends where you go, I wouldn’t like to stand for a two-hour journey.”
Mike Harding, 24, who lives in the city centre and works as a stylist, said he mainly takes long-distance trains: “Personally I don’t think I would use it, but it depends on the length of the journey.”
Leanne Barrow, 40, a canteen assistant from Harpurhey, said: “If it can save me money then I would do it. But then again, I’m getting old now!”
Chris Nemes, a 29-year-old doctor living in the Northern Quarter, is very familiar with travelling by rail: “It’s a good idea. I have a lot of experience in using budget transport from going around the world. But I guess it depends on the journey – if I’m going to Crumpsall, yes, London, no.”
Hannah Jenson, 19, a student living in Fallowfield, liked the sound of reduced fares: “The only money I have is what my parents send me, so if it meant that I could have more to spend on having fun then why not?”
But accountant Michael Routledge, 38, of Oldham, does not think it will work: “How are they going to make sure that people won’t just move from carriage to carriage? I wouldn’t bother either way – if I take a train I’d prefer to sit down.”
Picture courtesy of PSD, with thanks.
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