RAIL boss Sir Richard Branson hopes to lure travellers back to the West Coast Main Line and CrossCountry routes with the offer of half-price fares next month.

The cost of first and standard-class tickets, Savers, weekly season tickets and Virgin Value advance purchase tickets will be reduced by 50 per cent between February 5 and March 4.

For example, a standard open ticket between London and Glasgow will be reduced from £175 to £87.50.

"Last year the rail industry faced its greatest crisis since the war, following emergency speed restrictions imposed after the tragic Hatfield accident," said Sir Richard Branson.

"From the end of January we will have more than 85 per cent of our services and punctuality back on the West Coast and CrossCountry networks.

Now is the time to recover passengers lost in the last three months and kick-start travel by train."

Virgin Trains is to issue a new timetable on January 29.

The cut-price offer is expected to cost Virgin Trains £10 million.

Tickets can bought through Virgin telesales on 08457-222333, on the internet at www.virgin.com/trains, at stations and appointed travel agents.

Reservations are recommended at busy periods.