Chester-Northwich, why so expensive

[leejayd]

I recently moved to Chester. I commute to Northwich, usually in a car.

As I live in the City, within walking distance of the station, I thought it would be a crime not to use the train to get to work.

I was shocked to learn it costs £9.20 for a peak return ticket from Chester-Northwich (Northern Rail).

I went a similar distance in the other direction (Chester-Liverpool via Merseyrail) and the cost was £6.15. Which seems to represent value for money.

I had a look at the cost of my car commute and it's far cheaper than getting the train.

I can't justify getting a season ticket as I only work in Northwich 2-3 days a week.

Why is the difference in cost so high? Is Merseyrail subsidised or are Northern Rails shareholders greedy? or both?

 

[Polarbear]

I live in Chester & used to work in Northwich. However, commuting by rail was generally avioded for the very reason cited in the above post!

I usually used my car, but occasionally, I used the bus (service 82 operated by GHA). Yes, it's a bit slower, but at £3.80, (for a 1 day rover on their services in Cheshire), a heck of a lot cheaper than the train service.

As to why this line is so expensive, I'm not sure to be honest. However, I do agree it does represent poor value for money - especially so given that many of the services are operated by low standard trains such as 142's & 150/1's.

 

[tony_mac]

Is Merseyrail subsidised

Yes. You can see the same fare differenes at many PTE boundaries.

 

[Green Lane]

I was shocked to learn it costs £9.20 for a peak return ticket from Chester-Northwich (Northern Rail).

Indeed, it's only 17 miles each way.

Also 17 miles each way is a journey I do now and again with Arriva Trains Wales:-

Upton (Merseyside)-Buckley £3.40 for an anytime day return.

That's not a million miles away from Chester, but the price difference is remarkable.

 

[leejayd]

Given the economic problems I think the rail network could be leveraged to get people working in areas just outside their usual boundary. But for this to happen the service must provide better value for money. As it stands it's too expensive for people on lower incomes who will be suffering most in the current climate.

I got the train a few weeks ago and the trains weren't great. But the journey was fantastic (through the Cheshire countryside). If the cost was more in-line with the cost of the journey by car I'd be a very happy train user.

 

[mathmo]

Indeed, it's only 17 miles each way.

Also 17 miles each way is a journey I do now and again with Arriva Trains Wales:-

Upton (Merseyside)-Buckley £3.40 for an anytime day return.

That's not a million miles away from Chester, but the price difference is remarkable.

Reading-Slough is 17 miles each way. Being in the south I would have expected it to be more expensive - but it's "only" £8.00! Clearly the Chester-Northwich ticket is a rip-off! (The Off-Peak return isn't at all cheap at £7.70 either.)

 

[scrapy]

The type of train used has no bearing when setting fares. It could be argued that running an older less efficient diesel train is more expensive. Chester - Northwich has no PTE subsidy and the two Cheshire councils seem to want little to do with subsidising/improving rail services in their area. Whilst it does seem expensive, rail travel on the whole is expensive. When compared to other journeys of 17 miles it is cheaper than the examples quoted but also more expensive than many.

Macclesfield to Manchester (16 miles) £12.10 SDR
Alderley Edge to Manchester (13 miles) £9.00 SDR

or outside the North West

Staines to London Terminals = £12.60 SDR (17 miles)

 

[leejayd]

I could kind of understand paying more to get into Manchester or any other big city as the parking/traffic/convenience factor of the train outweighs the benefits of driving.

But the cost of getting the train to Northwich (which is in the same unitary area as Chester) is crazy.

Nevermind..there is nothing we can do, right?

 

[Andrew Nelson]

Northern Rails shareholders greedy?

Well, the same people are Merseyrail and Northern shareholders.

Or did nobody notice...?

Same as when Arrivaderchi trains ran Northern and Arrivaderchi Merseyside.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Northern Rails shareholders greedy?

Well, the same people are Merseyrail and Northern shareholders.

Or did nobody notice...?

Same as when Arrivaderchi trains ran Northern and Arrivaderchi Merseyside.

But, Yes they are.