The arrival of flexible train season tickets is running late, according to Hove Labour MP Peter Kyle.
Mr Kyle asked Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin about the proposal.
It was announced almost two years ago when Norman Baker, the former Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, was Transport Minister.
In his written question Mr Kyle asked the Transport Secretary “what the results were of his department’s 2014 pilot study of how rail season tickets could be better tailored towards part-time workers”?
In reply Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “A competition was held in December 2014 for a trial to gather evidence on flexible rail ticketing which has the potential to provide a better deal for passengers who work part-time or are not daily commuters.
“Positive expressions of interest were received from seven operators in the South East Flexible Ticketing (SEFT) programme area.
“We are working with them so they can introduce flexible ticketing products as soon as possible following the roll out of smart ticketing in 2016 and 2017.
“The department is also considering a report by Southern Railway on their flexible ticketing trial and is discussing with Govia Thameslink Railways and c2c their franchise obligations to introduce flexible ticketing products by 30 September 2015 and 31 May 2016 respectively.”
Mr Kyle said: “After trumpeting the idea of flexible season tickets for part-time workers, all has gone quiet.
“The government has obviously kicked this into the long-grass which is a bitter blow to commuters.
“The government has now admitted nothing will happen in most areas for at least another two years but most commuters can’t wait that long and shouldn’t be forced to wait that long.”
Better to negotiate flexi-working and travel off peak if you can.
Also working at home is becoming ever more popular with commuter types.
I combine the two and it works really well.
I know it’s not for everyone but should be encouraged.
It actual aids productivity !