A STANSTED commuter has found his journey to work increasing in cost and length due to changes to rail fare structure.
The changes, which affect journeys between Stansted Airport and London Liverpool Street, involve the removal of open returns, forcing commuters to buy two single tickets each day.
The commuter said: "With no notice, Greater Anglia stopped doing return tickets from Stansted Airport to London Liverpool Street.
"This causes anger and upset at the airport for many plus, overnight, has increased my rail fare from £38 to £46 a day as I now have to buy two singles.
"There was no warning of this change and no one in authority available to discuss this.
"For years there has been, for no reason, no day return tickets but now no open return tickets.
"I am now forced to take a coach to work which is about £70 cheaper per week and I cannot use my bicycle for the start or finish parts of the journey which significantly lengthens my commute.
"This is less than ideal and means my working day has increased by 2.5 hours minimum."
The changes are part of Greater Anglia’s preparations for contactless ticketing, which will require fares to be aligned across all services in the pay-as-you-go area.
The move is designed to bring the airport station in line with other locations that will soon accept contactless payments and to simplify ticketing for travellers.
A spokesperson for Greater Anglia said: "On December 7, 2025, there were changes to some Greater Anglia peak time ticket restrictions and adjustments to some fares to support the planned roll out of contactless ticketing to twenty additional stations.
"This upgrade is currently expected to take place in summer 2026 and requires fares across Greater Anglia and Transport for London services to be aligned in advance.
"The extension of contactless ticketing will deliver simpler, more flexible ticketing for thousands of passengers.
"While some fares increase as part of this change, many are reduced, and it is expected that the majority of customers will benefit overall."
Season ticket holders, including those with flexi-tickets, are not affected by the changes.
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