Monday, 12 August 2013

Rail fare rises to be announced

Source BBC News@ tienganhvui.com


Paddington Station LondonRail fare increases have outstripped inflation for a decade


Commuters will find out later how much rail fares are to go up next year when inflation figures are released.


In England, regulated fares, which include season tickets, are due to go up by inflation, as measured by the retail prices index for July, plus 1%.


With analysts expecting RPI of 3.3%, that would mean fares rising by 4.3% in January.


In Scotland, prices are capped at the rate of inflation, while there is no rise planned in Northern Ireland.


The Welsh government has yet to decide on fare rises.


Investment

The TUC and Action for Rail are organising a series of demonstrations at almost 50 stations to protest against the increase.


TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "Wage-busting fare rises are not even going on much needed service improvements.


"Instead, passenger and public subsidies are lining the pockets of the shareholders of private rail companies."


Michael Roberts, chief executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies, said: "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.


A Department for Transport spokesman said the government was investing record amounts in the railways and "will be announcing further measures to ensure greater fairness on fares for passengers later this year".


But shadow transport secretary Maria Eagle said: "Inflation busting increases in rail fares are adding to the cost of living crisis facing households."





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