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ASA Bans 'Best Price' Rail Ads From ScotRail, Greater Anglia and My Train Ticket

The watchdog said absolute price promises require proof that retailers always beat rivals.

Overview

  • The ASA ruled the three advertisers misled customers by claiming bookings through their sites would deliver the lowest fares without evidence.
  • ScotRail and Greater Anglia defended their messaging by pointing to no booking fees and day-of pricing, then revised website wording after the decision.
  • My Train Ticket accepted it could not substantiate 'cheapest' claims, removed the statements and said it is preparing alternative wording.
  • The regulator noted operators cannot set their own fares and found that options such as split-ticketing could undercut prices, including on Greater Anglia routes.
  • The bans form part of a broader ASA review of 'lowest/cheapest' rail advertising and follow an August ruling against Trainline, with fare reform plans under Great British Railways providing wider context.