The ridiculous cost of train fares

[garlictwist]

I have a few unexpected days off work coming up and thought I might have some time in London as the weather is good there.

The train fare is coming out at over £300 return. I can fly to Spain for less than that. Then I looked at going to Devon on the train - same thing.

I understand they have their book miles in advance thing but a) I don't always know that I want to travel in advance and b) how can they justify such insane prices even at the more expensive end?

They should have put all the money they've slung into HS2 into subsidising train fares. It just makes no sense on earth for it to cost that much.

I absolutely agree and the government cannot keep making policies that punish car use without providing a public transport alternative. Where I live, the nearest train station is 8 miles away and there are no buses after 8pm. There needs to be FAR more investment in proper safe, affordable and accessible public transport.