The head of the passenger watchdog has demanded more reliable rail services and an end to above-inflation price hikes as fares rose by an average 3.1% this year.
The price increase, which came into force in England and Wales on Wednesday (2 January), is slightly below the maximum (3.2%) increase for regulated fares under the controversial Retail Price Index (RPI) measure of inflation, which tends to be higher than the more widely-used Consumer Prices Index (CPI).
Fares in Scotland rose by slightly below 3%.
Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus, said: ‘Passengers now pour over £10bn a year into the railway alongside significant government investment, so the rail industry cannot be short of funding. When will this translate into more reliable services that are better value for money?
‘The Government’s Rail Review must bring changes to the industry that benefit passengers. It’s also time for a fairer, clearer fares formula based on a calculation that uses the, rather than the discredited Retail Price Index.’
Robert Nisbet, regional director of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents rail firms, said: 'We understand that nobody wants to pay more for their journey to work but money from fares is underpinning record investment to build the better railway customers want and the country’s economy needs.'
He added: 'Everyone wants an easier to use range of fares, which is why we will soon be unveiling the results of our consultation with proposals to government on overhauling outdated regulations that underpin the existing system.'
Transport secretary Chris Grayling apologised for ‘tough moments’ on the rail network in 2018 but sought to blame the rail industry for the increases.
He told the BBC: 'I don't think it's right and proper that you see pay rises at 3.5% or more on parts of the rail network that are the biggest factor behind the fare increases.'
Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s shadow transport secretary, said: ‘Today’s rail fare increases are an affront to everyone who has had to endure years of chaos on Britain’s railways.
‘Falling standards and rising fairs are a national disgrace. The Government must now step in to freeze fares on the worst performing routes.’
Railcards and London freeze
The Department for Transport highlighted the introduction of the 26-30 Railcard from Tuesday, which gives a third off fares and a new railcard giving 16 and 17 year olds half-price, including peak and season tickets, from September.
Passengers aged 16 and 17 can already use a 16-25 Railcard. However, like the new 26-30 card, it has time and minimum fare restrictions and is unlikely to benefit most commuters travelling during the morning peak.
London mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed a freeze on most fares on Transport for London services, with the exception of travelcards, despite the transport body’s ‘perilous’ financial situation.
Mr Khan said: ‘Our TfL fares freeze is in contrast to the private rail companies hiking up fares again, despite the litany of cancelations, delays and overcrowding on services like Southern and South Western Railway. Given the continuing woeful services on suburban rail routes, the increase in rail fares of 8.8% over the last three years is simply a disgrace.’
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