Rail bosses are ordered to fly rather than travel by train on trips across Britain because it is cheaper
RAIL bosses have been ordered to fly across the country for some trips because it is cheaper than the train.
Network Rail said its policy is to book the cheapest travel, so employees have chosen planes.
Rail fares rose by three per cent this year, despite the worst punctuality for more than a decade.
A spokesman confirmed the cheapest flight bought by Network Rail staff was from Cardiff to Anglesey for £19.99.
A single rail ticket for the same trip costs as much as £84. An advance ticket was available for £32. Bargain flights include a £30.99 trip from Stansted to Glasgow and Southampton to Manchester for £39.99.
Network Rail policy says air travel should be used “where it represents the most cost effective option compared to the relevant train fare”.
A spokesman said the policy was in place “for good reason” as they are a public body using taxpayers’ money.
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He said: “With 98 per cent of our business travel made by rail, trains more often than not represent the best value.”
The organisation spent £1million on rail tickets in the past two years.
Staff took 9,212 flights, 17 by Network Rail’s executive leadership team. The air travel was equivalent to emissions of 1.5m tons of carbon dioxide, according to the Sunday Times.
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