Off peak ticket cuts cost of turn-up-and-go travel by up to 38 per cent
TRAIN operator East Coast is giving North East businesses a welcome boost by cutting the cost of turn-up-and-go travel to London by up to 38 per cent.
The First Off-Peak ticket – which is already proving popular with firms in the East Midlands – is being expanded on a trial basis to offer excellent savings to business travellers from Newcastle and Durham to London.
The new ticket offers a First Class return from the two North East stations to London for £229 – that’s £144 cheaper than the price of a First Anytime ticket.
The First Off-Peak ticket is valid on any Monday to Friday East Coast train from Newcastle or Durham to London which arrives in the capital at 10.05 hrs or later. The earliest direct trains which can be used are the 07.20 service from Newcastle, arriving in London at 10.11, or the 08.04 from Durham, arriving in London at 11.14.
Travellers can catch any East Coast train at any time back from London, up to a month from the outward journey date – making the ticket ideal for those who aren’t sure what time they will return.
The new ticket is being welcomed by North East business leaders. James Ramsbotham, Chief Executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “Businesses in the North East need the best possible access to key markets such as London – and we want potential investors and customers to have the best possible access here.
“We welcome this move to open up these routes to and from our region to more firms, and hope it delivers more business for the North East”.
East Coast commercial director Peter Williams said: “The First Off-Peak ticket is ideal for cost-conscious business travellers who can accommodate a slightly later arrival time in London, but want to enjoy total flexibility for their return journey to allow for any last-minute changes to their business day.
“More and more business travellers are enjoying the benefits of First Class train travel – no traffic delays or motorway stress, free wireless internet access creating a mobile office environment, and complimentary refreshments served in the comfort of your seat.
“The space and time to think and work is vital in these competitive times, and with the new First Off-Peak ticket, it’s good value too”.
The First Off-Peak ticket is also available for travel between London and Retford, Newark, Grantham, and Peterborough.
Full details of the new First Off-Peak ticket are available online at: http://www.eastcoast.co.uk/special-offers/first-off-peak-train-offer/, by calling East Coast’s Business Travel team on 08457 225 125, or from any staffed station.
ENDS.