07.12.12
Regulated fares to rise 4.2%
Train companies have published all 2013 ticket prices, with the average increase from January confirmed at 4.2%.
The rise applies to season tickets and peak fares, with other unregulated fares to rise at the operator’s discretion. Some fares could rise by as much as 10%.
ATOC asserted that the figure for all fare rises, not weighted by the number of passengers or the length of the route, was 3.9%.
Michael Roberts, chief executive of ATOC, said: “Fare rises are determined largely by government policy, and the Chancellor confirmed the government’s approach for next year in the Autumn Statement.
“Train companies will continue working with the rest of the industry to become more cost efficient, helping to take the pressure off future fare rises.”
Tim Shoveller, managing director of the South West Trains/Network Rail Alliance, commented: “Railway funding can only come from the taxpayer or from the passenger. The government’s policy remains that a bigger share must come from people who use the train.
“We know that nobody likes paying more for their travel, especially to get to work. That’s why we are working hard with the rest of the rail industry to make the system more cost-efficient and help take the pressure off future fare rises. At the same time, we are investing in our trains and stations to deliver a better railway for our customers.”
The shadow transport secretary, Maria Eagle, said: “The private train companies are being completely disingenuous. As they well know the fares that most people use will rise by an average of 4.2% and by as much as 9.2% thanks to the Government's decision to give back to train companies the right to turn the so-called fare cap into an average.
“It is ridiculous that Atoc won't confirm which routes will see the largest fare rises in the New Year. Labour will strictly impose the cap on every route if we win the next election.”
Passenger Focus chief executive, Anthony Smith, said: “It's disappointing that the restraint shown on season ticket prices has not been extended to all off-peak and anytime fares.”
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