7 ms·
Take a look at European high speed rail prices. They act similarly to airline prices, increasing close to departure to high levels.
by tuna-piano 9y ago
Take a look at European high speed rail prices. They act similarly to airline prices, increasing close to departure to high levels.
- switch007 9y agoWhat's that you say? You're in Manchester but need to pop down to London (2 hours 10 mins, 209 miles) tomorrow for a meeting? That'll be £338/$467.
- dx034 9y agoThe UK is not a good example on how rail systems can work. Rather look at France, Germany, Switzerland or Japan. HSR tickets in most countries have an upper limit, only the (partly) privatised UK system has these absurd prices.
- switch007 9y agoYou don't need to tell me, I live there :D What's worse is that French, German and Dutch national rail operators have subsidiaries running rail contracts in the UK. So in a way we help fund the fantastic continental rail services... But I understand that rail services on the continent are also heavily subsidised.
- inferiorhuman 9y agoTake a look at ACELA, the last minute prices aren't that bad (well insofar as I missed my train and booked a seat on the next one with a minimal penalty - around $40).
- dx034 9y agoDepends on the system. In Germany, where you don't automatically buy a seat, you can hop on any train last minute at a high (but reasonable) price. You'll stand for the journey but in some situations I preferred that over some waitlist with an airline.