BETTER value and more choice for passengers - that's what York-based GNER is offering, after it unveiled a new range of advance purchase tickets.

The company says the new fares, which will be introduced for journeys from Sunday, September 25, will create a much simpler and clearer selection of Advance Single tickets for those who book ahead.

For the first time, commuters will be able to mix and match outward and return journeys, using separate single tickets to get the best value fares on every train.

That will even apply to Standard and First Class on return journeys - allowing people to benefit from discounts available on quieter off-peak trains.

Clare Field, GNER sales and marketing director, said: "Our Fare Choice advance single fares will make train travel better value for many of our passengers.

"The current complex range of advance purchase ticket types will be streamlined into a new range of First and Standard Advance fares.

"These will be sold as single tickets - meaning that passengers who want a return journey simply buy two singles and match them together.

"If a passenger travelling from, say, Leeds to London return has to travel south on a busy train to arrive at a set time, but can be more flexible about what time they come back, Fare Choice means they can now travel for less by choosing a quieter train for the return journey with more discounted seats available."

Four levels of discount fares will be available under the new deal, with a fifth for First Class passengers travelling to or from London only.

These will replace the current First and Standard Class Off-Peak, Apex, SuperAdvance and Leisure First tickets.

Consistent conditions of use will apply across the whole new range of fares. Railcard discounts will be available on level four tickets, which replace SuperAdvance and Leisure First fares.

Tickets can be booked in advance until 6pm on the day before travel.

Details of all fares and times are available on the GNER website at www.gner.co.uk, by phoning GNER Telesales on 08457 225 225 or by visiting any staffed National Rail station.

Updated: 10:32 Tuesday, August 09, 2005