02.01.13
Regulated fares rise by 4.2%
Rail fares for commuters have increased by an average of 4.2%, with overall ticket prices rising by 3.9%.
The rise was announced in August, and the regulated fares increase was originally set at RPI + 3% but was reduced in October to RPI + 1%.
TOCs can now vary fares by up to 5% above the average increase, as long as these rises are balanced by cuts to other fares to keep to the 4.2% average.
Rail minister Norman Baker said: “We are engaged in the biggest rail investment programme since the 19th century and it is only right that the passenger, as well as the taxpayer, contributes towards that.
“In the longer term we are determined to reduce the cost of running the railways so that we can end the era of above-inflation fare rises.”
But the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) and unions have criticised the rises, and call for a reduction in fares.
CBT chief executive Stephen Joseph said: “The impact of successive governments’ policies on rail fares is appalling. We have deliberately made getting the train to work an extravagance that many struggle to afford. The time has come not just to stop the rises but to reduce fares.”
Chief executive of ATOC, Michael Roberts, said: “Successive governments have required train companies to increase the average price of season tickets every January since 2004 by more than inflation.
“Ministers want passengers to pay a larger share of railway running costs to reduce the contribution from taxpayers while sustaining investment in better stations, new trains and faster services.”
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