Campaign for Better Transport criticises fare rises

Campaign for Better Transport has criticised the Government’s decision to press ahead with a rail fare rise of 3.2% today (January 2).

In a statement, CBT said that following the chaos of the May 2018 timetable passengers faced severe disruption for many months, and the promised improvements in services used to justify the fare increases in January 2018 have not materialised for many rail users.

CBT Chief Executive Darren Shirley said: “Rail passengers suffered atrocious service in 2018 and today’s fare rise will only add to their misery.

“The Government’s decision to press ahead with this fare rise despite a year of delays, cancellations and overcrowding, shows a total disregard for passengers and may leave many wondering what they are paying for.

“The review of the railways currently underway must prioritise passengers’ needs and recommend a fundamental reform of the fares system and how fares are set.”

CBT wants Government to use the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to set fare increases, which would mean regulated fares such as season tickets and standard returns, rising by 2.5% cent today.

• For the FULL story, read RAIL 870, published on January 16, and available digitally on Android, iPad and Kindle from January 12.
• For the initial fare rise story, read RAIL 868, available digitally on Android, iPad and Kindle.