Fares fallout!
A regulated rail fares rise of up to 3.2% draws stinging criticism from passenger watchdog and unions.
A REGULATED rail fare rise of up to 3.2% from January 2019 has evoked fierce criticism from Transport Focus and other bodies.
Following publication of the Retail Price Index (RPI) figure on August 15, it was revealed that train operators in England will raise regulated fares by an average of up to 3.2%. In Scotland, the same rules apply except that offpeak fares are capped at RPI minus 1%, while in Wales regulated fares are capped at the October 2018 RPI level.
While some sources calculated ticket price increases based on the RPI figure, RAIL Fares and Service Consultant Barry Doe says train operators haven’t calculated their fares increases yet, and that no accurate data will be available until late December as the increases do not come into effect until next year. He also pointed out that while operators can raise fares by the maximum amount, increases could still be lower.
Transport Focus (TF) Chief Executive Anthony Smith called for a freeze in fares, saying: “After a torrid summer, passengers hit by the timetable crisis will be amazed that the talk is about a fares increase! A fares freeze would benefit all passengers, begin the process of rebuilding trust and start to bring passengers back to a railway they can rely on.
“On top of stagnant or falling real incomes, rail passengers will feel the heat of any annual increase in regulated fares (from January 2019).
“We know that less than one third (30%) of rail commuters are satisfied with the value for money of their ticket. Despite substantial investment in new trains and track, many passengers have yet to experience a more reliable railway with accurate information, less disruption and better value for money.
“Transport Focus has also long argued that it’s time for a fairer, clearer fares formula based on
calculations that use the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), rather than the discredited Retail Price Index.”
Labour’s London Assembly Spokesperson for Transport, Florence Eshalomi said: “This rise adds insult to injury for beleaguered commuters who have suffered the chaos of timetable changes and continuous delays and cancellations.
“As more Londoners are left to struggle with the burgeoning costs of living, it is unjustifiable that they should be expected to pay more when a number of services require drastic and urgent improvement.”
In a bid to justify the fares increases, Rail Delivery Group (RDG) Chief Executive Paul Plummer said: “Fares are underpinning a once-in-ageneration investment plan to improve the railway, and politicians effectively determine that season ticket prices should change in line with other day-to-day costs to help fund this. We understand that aspects of the current fares system are frustrating for people, which is why as part of the industry’s plan, train companies are also leading a consultation to update regulation and improve the range of fares on offer, making the system simpler and easier to use for customers.”
RMT General Secretary Mick Cash described the fares rise as a “kick in the teeth” and added: “If it wasn’t for the profiteering and exploitation that is endemic after more than two decades of rail privatisation we would have enough cash in the pot to invest in staffing and infrastructure and hold down fares at the same time.”