Rail should not be dismissed by businesses for corporate travel in 2011, despite the new commuter fare increases.

‘Mayhem’ would be the result if the UK’s 350,000 National Rail Travel Survey Overview Report, updated December 2010, Department of Transport business train travellers swap rail for the road as a reaction to recent coverage on fare increases, according to online travel retailer redspottedhanky.com, and businesses should not be mislead by thinking car travel is cheaper.

Andrea Morgan, director at redspottedhanky.com, says whilst daily commuters in and out of London are hardest hit by the price increases, business travellers can still access cheap fares by booking online in advance. And with petrol expected to reach £1.40/litre, rail offers businesses much better value than travelling by car.

“Businesses need to know that train operating companies put prices up as demand increases. If bought in advance businesses can save up to 80 percent on train tickets than if bought at the station on the day of travel. These savings can make a significant difference to a business’s cash flow,” says Mrs Morgan.

Analysis by redspottedhanky.com shows that despite an average increase, train companies have not raised their cheapest fares.

“A business traveller can buy a ticket from London to Manchester Off-peak fare, bought in advance (12 weeks) for £8, rather than paying upwards of £130 on the day Anytime ticket, bought on day of travel., for example. The same trip by car would cost upwards of £30 London – Manchester distance 202 miles, travelling in five-door hatchback at 9 miles/litre, fuel £1.40/litre. in fuel alone with the recent fuel duty and VAT increase, in addition to the cost of the vehicle and the journey being significantly longer. Essentially rail travel still offers businesses a quick, easy and comfortable way for employees to travel around the country,” says Ms Morgan.