Quality of service needs to improve

The annual UK rail fare increase - with prices jumping up by an average of 3.1 per cent on January 2 - made the return to work after the holidays an even bitterer pill to swallow for British commuters.

However, as protesters aired their grievances over the price hike in busy train stations such as London Victoria on the ‘first day back’, they should have focused on poor punctuality, overcrowding and cancellations instead of the cost of a season ticket - which actually beats many similar train travel routes across Europe in value for money.

British commuters believe they pay some of the highest fares in the world, however, annual season tickets offer good value even with this year’s increase for those who have to travel to work five days a week. Instead, the challenge for rail companies is to justify their efficiency and passenger comfort. For too long, rail

commuters have faced delays and cancellations at short notice, plus cramped carriages. Commuters are more than justified in complaining about these conditions.

Rail can be a wonderful way to travel - the efficiency and value can be seen in many European rail networks.

If British commuters saw basic service improvements particularly in the fields of reliability and capacity, the season ticket price would hold up as more than justified - but when fares continually increase and service provided decreases, commuters aren’t seeing true value. Kirsteene Phelan

Acting CEO Rome2rio