Unlimited Travel ‘climate card’ scheme backed by campaigners

Research by Greenpeace and transport think tank, Greengauge 21 is advocating for a “climate card” subscription system that could set to as little as £49 a month to access train travel across all services in the U.K.

The flat fee for unlimited travel idea is successful in other countries however have come at a heavy cost to the public purse. Germany introduced a flat fare of €9 a month during the pandemic however replaced it two years later with a €49 monthly rail pass after it was revealed it cost the German government nearly €2.5bn (£2.1bn) to fund.

The report titled “Fare Britannia” estimates that to implement a similar scheme in this country, it will mean a loss of revenues of between £45m and £650m, dependent on the scheme’s uptake. Whilst this would be subsidised by the Government, it would be offset by the expected increased demand which the report believes could be an additional 122 million rail trips per year.

It also proposes that top-up fees for “inter-city” travel and London suburban travel could be introduced. It also recommends a phased introduction across the network including in the devolved nations.

Greenpeace also believes it could have significant climate control benefits with a reduction in congestion, pollution and CO2 emissions all possible if the ‘climate card’ scheme was implemented. It estimates nearly 40 million car journeys could be saved if the scheme is introduced.

Paul Morozzo, a senior transport campaigner at Greenpeace UK, said: “Our current rail fare system is far too complicated, confusing and expensive – it’s time to redesign it with passengers in mind. A monthly climate card would simplify the ticketing system, save commuters hundreds of pounds a month and cut emissions – a triple win.”

The report also predicts that commuters and travellers would see substantial savings on ticket prices, especially with season-ticket holders. The average season-ticket price for holders from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester is £379 a month currently.

Jim Steer, the director of Greengauge 21, said: “We suggest it would be best to start in the English regions away from the south-east – which dominates the nation’s rail use currently. The next step could be for the newly fashioned Great British Railways to be given the task of looking into a climate card as a way of boosting regional economies within the timescale of this parliament.”