A 'confusing' range of train fares will soon be replaced with two 'simpler' options in Greater Manchester. 

From Sunday 7 December, all rail passengers in Manchester will be offered either an anytime or off-peak option, which will be valid on rail services run by all operators. 

It will replace the current system whereby there are over a dozen different fares currently available on journeys along certain routes. For example: a journey from Stockport to Manchester can cost anywhere between £2.20 and £5.30, depending on the operator and ticket type. 

The new system will also balance current ticket prices. The new cost will be cheaper than just over half of currently available tickets. And although the fixed fare will be more expensive than some tickets currently, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has said that for the overwhelming majority it will be an increase of around 20 pence. 

Marple railway station, in Stockport borough (Image - Nub News)

Railcard discounts will still apply, and the tickets will still be available in printed form from ticket offices. 

The new system will run at all 96 railway stations in Greater Manchester, including all the stations in Stockport borough.

Greater Manchester will be one of the first areas in the UK to implement this system, devised by the UK Government as a means of bringing people back to using rail. 

It's also a step towards contactless tap-in style payments for trains in Greater Manchester, which will be introduced later next year. 

Brinnington railway station, in Stockport borough (Image - Nub News)

Alex Hornby, Northern's commercial and customer director, said: "Customers tell us that buying railway tickets has become too complicated and the fare system needs to change.

"That's why we're looking forward to introducing these new fares in Greater Manchester, which will make train travel much simpler, provide customers with more choice about which services they travel on and stop thousands from overpaying for their journeys.

"Of course, we will have our colleagues on hand to help customers get to grips with the new tickets and we will be welcoming and listening to all feedback to ensure they work for everyone."

Darren Higgins, commercial director at TransPennine Express, said: "We're pleased to support the introduction of simpler fares across Greater Manchester, which will make rail travel easier for our customers.

"This change, which affects several key TPE routes, including services to and from Manchester Airport, will help customers to avoid overpaying for everyday journeys."

Romiley railway station, in Stockport borough (Image - Nub News)

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy, said: "We know the current labyrinth of fares and prices can be confusing, and fixing that is crucial to rebuilding trust in our railways and encouraging more people to take the train.

"Across the UK, we're driving forward a programme of fare reforms - introducing simpler ticketing, expanding digital and contactless options, and laying the foundations for Great British Railways to deliver a better service for passengers."

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: "For too long, confusion around the complicated web of tickets has been a barrier to people choosing the train.

"In December, Greater Manchester will be the one of the first city region's outside London to get a simple set of on-the-day fares – vital progress in making rail travel easier, fairer and more accessible for everyone.

"We've seen that making public transport more affordable and simpler boosts passenger numbers, with more people than ever boarding our yellow buses and integrated tap and go payments with our tram network.

"These simpler fares are a stepping stone to bringing rail into the Bee Network in December 2026, joining up trains with buses, trams and active travel for an integrated public transport system like those enjoyed by other global cities."