This is no surprise to anyone in the UK. We have the highest fares in Europe[1]. Although you can buy tickets in advance at certain off-peak times for less, it&#x27;s not always practical or convenient.<p>The problem is that peak fares can rise to astronomical levels if they are unregulated (i.e. can be freely set by the train operator).<p>An example: a 2 hour train journey from London to Manchester (approx 200 miles&#x2F;321 km) one-way booked for a peak-time slot a week in advance can cost as much as £166 (approx €217 &#x2F; $235), which is frankly ludicrous.<p>[1] <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.theguardian.com&#x2F;money&#x2F;2016&#x2F;jan&#x2F;04&#x2F;action-for-rail-357-season-ticket-37-rome-95-berlin" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.theguardian.com&#x2F;money&#x2F;2016&#x2F;jan&#x2F;04&#x2F;action-for-rail...</a>