The cost of train travel in the England is set to increase 4.1% next year, sparking calls for the rail network to return to the public’s hands.
Some journeys could see costs rise as much as 9.1% on busy routes, with the government saying the money will be invested into rail infrastructure. The costs are higher than the 3.1% inflation rate set in July by the Retail Price Index (RPI), which helps determine train fares in 2014.
While the average fare is expected to increase 4.1%, train companies can vary prices by up to 5%.
Commuters and members of trade union TUC were seen outside rail stations across the country protesting against the numbers and calling for the rail network to be owned by the public again, according to the BBC.
In a statement on its website, the Association of Train Operating Companies’ (ATOC) chief executive Michael Roberts said the rises were necessary and had already helped in the last nine years of increases.
“Since 2004, it has been Government policy to allow regulated fares to rise above inflation in order to support investment in more trains, better stations and faster services. This is helping to drive passenger satisfaction to near record levels while seeking to reduce taxpayers’ contribution towards the cost of running the railways,” he said.
“In order to help limit future fare rises, the rail industry is working with the Government to find ways of providing services even more efficiently, building on the progress that has already been made.”
Higher commuting costs will impact more on available consumer spend, with the rising prices taking more out of incomes.
Off-peak tickets will also see an increase in price; potentially affecting the tourism and day-trip markets.
Scotland’s train operators have had their prices capped at the rate of inflation. Wales is yet to set its costs while there is no planned rise in Northern Ireland.
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