Rail users facing 2.98% fare hike to fund improvements
TRANSPORT for Wales has told our sister paper the Daily Post the increase on Wales and Borders services will be 2.98% for regulated fares.
This is slightly lower than the UK average hike of 3.1%.
Regulated fares include most standard and saver return fares, as well as season tickets.
The price hike could see an annual standard season ticket between Holyhead and Chester increase by around £150.
Paul Plummer, Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group, which brings together train companies and Network Rail, said: “Nobody wants to pay more to travel, especially those who experienced significant disruption earlier this year.
“Money from fares is underpinning the improvements to the railway that passengers want and which, ultimately, help boost the wider economy.
“That means more seats, extra services and better connections right across the country.”
Transport for Wales said extra funding will go into improving services.
Colin Lea, customer experience and commercial director for Transport for Wales, said: “Here in Wales, we recognise that the last few weeks have been a particularly difficult time for our passengers, with an ageing fleet and challenging weather conditions causing unprecedented disruption to services.
“That’s why we are investing £5 billion over the next 15 years to revitalise our network with new services and rolling stock.”