Outrage at 3.1% rail fare hike after year of chaos

RAIL fare rises of 3.1 per cent came into effect today, the highest since 2013.

The controversial increase comes after a year of timetable chaos, disruption from strikes, overcrowded trains and the worst punctuality in four years.

Many long-distance commuters will see the annual cost of getting to work increase by more than £100.

Increases in annual season tickets include £148 for Brighton to London (£4,696 to £4,844), £130 for Gloucester to Birmingham (£4,108 to £4,238), and £100 for Manchester to Liverpool (£3,152 to £3,252).

The Government based the rise in regulated fares, such as commuter season tickets, on July’s RPI inflation figure of 3.2 per cent.

But there is no cap on unregulated fares such as advanced purchases and some off-peak tickets.

Darren Shirley, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, said passengers had “suffered atrocious service in 2018”. He said the latest fare increase will “only add to their Darren Shirley slammed ‘atrocious’ rail service

misery”. He said: “The Government’s decision to press ahead with this fare rise despite a year of delays, cancellations and overcrowding shows a total disregard for passengers and may leave many wondering what they are paying for.

“The current review of the railways must prioritise passengers’ needs and recommend a fundamental reform of the fares system.”

Bruce Williamson, of campaign group Railfuture, said passengers are being given “another kick in the wallet” following a “terrible year” on the railway. He said: “Since 2004, rail fares have raced ahead of people’s incomes while the cost of motoring has remained static, partly thanks to the Government’s continuing freeze on fuel duty.

“Petrol is now cheaper than it was in 2011, when the last fuel duty increase kicked in. In that time rail fares have gone up 28 per cent. Are they trying to drive us off the railways?

“Why are hard-working commuters being punished for the crime of trying to get the train to work? It really is a war against the train passenger.” Transport Secretary Chris Grayling marked the increase in fares by announcing that a new railcard, extending child fares to 16 and 17-year-olds, will be available in time for the new academic year in September.

A railcard for 26 to 30-yearolds goes on sale from noon today.

Mr Grayling said the Government’s “record investment” in the rail network will help passengers get the “frequent, affordable and reliable journeys they deserve”.

Robert Nisbet, regional director of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “We understand nobody wants to pay more for their journey to work.

“But money from fares is underpinning record investment to build the better railway customers want.

“We want more people to benefit from the opportunities travelling by train opens up.”

However, shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald claimed the latest increases were “an affront to everyone who has had to endure years of chaos on Britain’s railways”. Mon-Thurs 8.30am-7pm, Fri till 5pm, Sat 9am-3pm