Virgin Trains Ticketing has deepened its partnership with rail commerce platform, SilverRail, to ensure its customers get the best rail fares possible.
The independent retailer has integrated SilverRail’s new Conversion Plus toolset, which includes a ‘Gen 2’ split ticketing functionality and a ‘Cheaper Routes’ option for passengers with more flexible schedules who are happy to take indirect journeys and travel for longer if it means securing a cheaper ticket.
Using some of the most travelled routes as an example, the new technology means that customers can now save up to 78% on their tickets by booking through Virgin Trains Ticketing, with cheaper, indirect journeys now showing as an option on a third of searches for peak morning departures*.
Mark Plowright, director of Virgin Trains Ticketing, said, “We all know that the UK needs a simpler rail fares system and split ticketing is a sticking plaster rather than a long-term solution.
“That said, while we wait for fares reform, Virgin Trains Ticketing will continue to innovate and find new ways to help customers navigate fares and get more value from their train journeys.
“Adopting SilverRail’s latest toolset means we can broaden the view of available fares and travel options, giving passengers more choice and helping them to save money, as well as rewarding them with Virgin Points on every journey.”
Customers can also get double points on all journeys booked through Virgin Trains Ticketing until December 15.
SilverRail provides companies like Virgin Trains Ticketing, LNER, Chiltern, National Rail Enquiries and Transport for Wales with a simple and cost-effective journey planning, rail booking, ticketing, and after-sales platform.
This is the first time SilverRail has provided these indirect journey tools to a retailer selling rail tickets across Great Britain.
Cameron Jones, chief commercial officer of SilverRail, said: “The Virgin brand is synonymous with market-leading customer service and innovation and we have certainly seen this first-hand through our partnership with Virgin Trains Ticketing during the past three years with their loyalty offerings and low fares, supported by our split ticketing innovations.
“Today, we’re excited to see Virgin Trains Ticketing deploy more of our Conversion Plus tools with Cheaper Routes, which, combined with our Gen 2 split ticketing functionality, has seen price savings of up to 78% compared to direct journeys”.
