Train fares could be based on quality of service in future.

It is one of many concepts being consulted on by the rail industry as it puts together proposals to overhaul ticket prices.

Those responding to the consultation are asked whether they think it should be cheaper to travel using slower, less regular and more basic trains.

Other possibilities being considered include getting rid of peak and off-peak fares - so regular travellers get a discount - and lowering the cost of e-tickets and increasing paper tickets.

The consultation is being launched today (June 4) by the Rail Delivery Group, which represents the industry, alongside passenger watchdog Transport Focus.

They will take the feedback to create a report for the government.

The report is not designed to increase revenue for rail companies, but rather keep the average ticket cost the same.

There are currently about 55 million different fares, including some fares that do not make much sense - like peak charges in trips half of which are on off-peak services, and split ticketing, when it can be cheaper to buy several tickets for a long journey.

This could be because the system is underpinned by regulations from the mid-90s, with layers of complexity added by franchise agreements.

Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: "Our research shows that rail passengers want a fares system that is simple to use, easy to understand and is flexible enough to cater to how people work and travel today.

"The rail industry has grasped the nettle and we will ensure the voice of the passenger is heard clearly as part of this consultation."

The consultation can be found at britainrunsonrail.co.uk.