Why don’t rail firms offer last-minute cheaper fares for half-empty trains?

Simon Calder answers your questions on airfares, luggage charge refunds, how general elections affect holidays, and last-minute rail offers

Fares for people who walk up and want a ticket on the next available train are usually high (Getty)

Q Do you know why rail companies don’t offer last-minute price cuts for tickets on trains that otherwise would run half-empty – like yellow-sticker items in a supermarket?

LW

A I happen to be travelling on a rush-hour train between London Waterloo and Wimbledon as I am writing back to you, which is probably a good place to start.