A NEW fares structure from regional train operator c2c is to be introduced from next weekend.

A statement from the compnay issued today (Monday, 27 November) says: "In preparation for the launch of contactless pay as you go across its entire rail network, c2c is introducing a new and simplified fares and ticketing model and revised peak travel times on Sunday, 3 December.

"This will make the planning of trips, paying for travel and accessing services quicker and easier for customers than before.

"As announced by the Department for Transport (DfT) earlier in the year, c2c is one of five train operators working with Government during Phase 1 of its initiative to extend the current contactless pay as you go area.

"The introduction of c2c's new ticketing model will align c2c fares and associated travel conditions with the easy-to-understand Transport for London (TfL) and wider pay as you go networks.

Key changes to fares and ticketing include:

Fares revised so that all single tickets are priced at half the equivalent return (both in the Peak and Off-Peak).

Introduction of a new weekday evening peak between 16:00 – 19:00 on services leaving from or going via a London* station

Super-Off-Peak tickets withdrawn, with all weekend and bank holiday travel classified Off-Peak

• *Stations that are within Zones 1-6

 c2c Managing Director, Rob Mullen, said: "As part of our ongoing commitment to making c2c a more attractive and accessible railway, the introduction of simple and easy-to-understand fares and peak travel times will make searching and buying tickets easier and more straightforward for our customers.

 "We already offer a wide range of ticketing and payment options to best suit customers' needs, and we are working hard to ensure that everyone has access to the correct tickets and best value fares for their journey.

"Moving forward, all of our ticketing products - Smartcards, traditional paper, e-tickets and contactless pay as you go (when launched) – if purchased on the day of travel, will offer fares at the same price.

"Removing the barriers to rail travel remains a priority to the team at c2c. With simplified fares in place in readiness for contactless pay as go, and e-ticketing coming soon, we believe that our easy to access and easy to understand tickets will give customers added confidence when travelling on our network."

c2c adds: "Customers can continue to access great value weekend and bank holiday travel - offering 40% off the standard Off-Peak Return fare - by buying Online advance tickets direct from c2c three or more days before travel.

"Long-term 'Flexi', weekly, monthly and annual season tickets are also not affected by fares or peak time changes."