Rail fares to rise by an average of 2.7% in January
RAIL fares are to rise by an average of 2.7% in January, according to the Rail Delivery Group - just below the July Retail Price Index inflation figure on which fares increases are based.
The RDG says it is the third year in a row and the fifth time in the past seven years that fares have been held below the rate of inflation. However, although the overall average for all fares is 2.7%, for regulated fares it is that of the July RPI figure - 2.8%.
Transport Focus Chief Executive Anthony Smith said of the increase: “We speak to thousands of passengers each year and we know that less than half feel they get value for money. After a year of patchy performance, passengers just want a consistent day-to-day service they can rely on and a better chance of getting a seat.
“Transport Focus has long called for a fares system that is simple to use, easy to understand, and is flexible enough to cater to how people work and travel today.
“As fares rise, passengers must make their voice heard and call on operators to deliver a better service. Passengers should claim compensation every time they are delayed, to help offset the cost of the fares rise and Make Delay Pay.”
RDG Chief Executive Paul
Plummer acknowledged that the rise would be unpopular, saying: “We understand that no one wants to pay more to travel, which is why train companies have for the third year in a row held the average fare increases below inflation while still investing to improve journeys.
“Passengers will benefit from 1,000 extra, improved train carriages and over 1,000 extra weekly services in 2020. And the industry will continue to push for changes to fares regulations, to enable a better range of affordable, mix-and-match fares and reduced overcrowding on some of the busiest routes.”
However, the Campaign for
Better Transport argued that fares
are rising above inflation when compared with the more recently introduced Consumer Price Index, which some regard as a more accurate measure. Its equivalent figure to the RPI was 2.1%.
CBT Chief Executive Darren Shirley said: “January’s aboveinflation fare rise will no doubt leave passengers dismayed after years of appalling service. With little relief in sight for many from delays, cancellations and overcrowding, it will be an inauspicious start to the New Year for the railway.
“The rail industry should be doing everything possible to ensure that passengers can get the cheapest fare for their journey. The industry should do everything it can to encourage more independent ticket retailers and allow them to sell train tickets, so they can help passengers find the cheapest fare and save money.”
The TSSA union also criticised the rise, with General Secretary Manuel Cortes attacking train companies: “The shop stewards for the privateers, the ill-named
Rail Delivery Group, continue to defend the indefensible - fare hikes and profits being extracted from our passengers. The cosy, fleecing cartel running our railways have no shame.
“The Tory Frankenstein experiment of rail privatisation has more than run its course. Passengers are sick to their back teeth of paying for boardroom largesse and eye-watering fares.”