Taking the train could add £24,600 to the travel bill

Network Rail is transporting 200 staff by coach from Reading to Coventry for a conference because of the high cost of train tickets, it has emerged.

The rail operator has opted to shun train travel for road transport as it is more than £24,000 cheaper.

If open return tickets were bought for all the staff it could cost up to £27,000 - £135 each. But coach travel, at £12 a head, will cost just £2,400.

The firm said it made no apologies for getting the "best value" for taxpayers.

Network Rail said it looks at cheaper options for journeys as part of cost-cutting, as its workers do not get free travel or discounts.

A spokesman added: "Whilst we have no role in setting train fares, we use rail for the overwhelming number of business journeys.

"Occasionally, if there is a cheaper alternative, we will use that."