TRANSPORT union RMT has called on the government to launch a national scheme for flexible rail tickets as many people will continue working from home after the virus crisis ends.

The union said the move would save commuters thousands of pounds.

Since the lockdown in March, rail usage has slumped to just 23 per cent of pre Covid-19 levels, while only one in three white-collar workers have returned to offices, said the union.

Surveys have shown that huge numbers of workers will either continue operating from home, or split the week between their office and home.

Even before the Covid-19 crisis there was significant demand for flexible ticketing with more than 8.3 million people working part-time, said RMT.

July’s RPI inflation figure is published on Wednesday, which sets the increase for next year’s season tickets.

The RMT looked at more than 100 commuter routes across England, Wales and Scotland and the current prices for annual season tickets, saying passengers would make significant savings if they could buy a season ticket valid for part of the week.

RMT assistant general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The reality is many commuters and their firms will be holding off purchasing season tickets for 2021 as home working becomes a long-term feature.

“There will be a massive drop in demand for conventional season tickets and unless the demand for more flexible tickets and affordable tickets is met, commuters will permanently abandon the railway.

“The government must rebuild passenger confidence and encourage passengers back to the railway by giving them what they want – flexible ticketing that’s good value and suits their needs as part of the Covid-19 recovery.

“The vested interest of the train-operating companies has meant flexible ticketing has not been introduced because they believe it will hit the profits for their shareholders.”

Examples of savings included:

• Brighton to London Terminals current season ticket price is £4,580 a year. A three-day week flexible season ticket would cost £2,748, a saving of £1,832 on a full season ticket.
• St Albans to London Terminals current season ticket price is £3,712 a year. A three-day week flexible season ticket would cost £2,227, saving £1,484 on a full season ticket.
• Glasgow to Edinburgh Terminals current season ticket price is £2,504 a year. A three-day week flexible season ticket would cost £1,502.40, a saving of £1,001.60.
• Swansea to Cardiff Terminals current season ticket costs £1,844 a year. A three-day week flexible season ticket would cost £1,106.40, saving £737.60.
• Nuneaton to Birmingham Terminals current season ticket costs £2,080 a year. A three-day week flexible season ticket would cost £1,248, a saving of £832.
• Macclesfield to Manchester Terminals current season ticket costs £2,148 a year. A three-day week flexible season ticket would cost £1,288.80, a saving of £859.20.
• Bradford-On-Avon to Bristol Terminals current season ticket costs £2,268 a year. A three day week flexible season ticket would cost £1,360.80, a saving of £907.20.
• Warrington Stations to Liverpool Terminals current season ticket costs £1,640 a year. A three-day week flexible season ticket would cost £984, a saving of £656.
• Middlesbrough to Newcastle Terminals current season ticket costs £2,224 a year. A three-day week flexible season ticket would cost £1,334.40, a saving of £889.60.