We all wish transport fares were lower. Obviously - many of us pay them. But that doesn’t mean they should actually be lower. In today’s post, I argue that - overall - lower fares will simply result in lower investment and a worse service. Which is bad for the people we’re trying to help.

There is a consensus that rail fares are too complex.

There is a lot of truth to this but it’s nuanced.

It’s very important we understand this nuance otherwise we’re in danger of fixing the wrong things.

The problem isn’t exactly complexity, the problems are cognitive effort, jeopardy and arbitrariness.

Let me explain by means of a visit to Boots.