Press releases - Rail, bus, coach and tram

Passengers warned: No new year sale on rail fares

21.11.2008

Passenger Focus has criticised fare increases in tough economic times, forcing passengers to dig deep in their pockets come the new year.

Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive, said: “No fare rises are welcome in the current economic climate. These fare rises hark back to a time of high inflation and spiralling energy costs. The economy is different now, but the seemingly unstoppable rail price express ploughs on.

“Some train companies deserve credit for limiting some unregulated fare rises. However, fare rises way above inflation are unjustified and unfair. These average fares will no doubt mask some very steep rises on particular routes – we will study the real impact as we unearth the details in the next few days.”

Linking fares to inflation has served passengers relatively well in calmer times but the Government now needs to take a fresh look at consumer protection and fares. We also need to look closely at establishing a fairer link between fares, investment and satisfactory performance.

Passenger Focus was pleased to see that in the new deal for the South Central franchise, the Government has reduced the amount by which a train company can raise fares. Based on the watchdog’s recommendation, Passenger Focus believes this will help stamp out some of these wild price swings.

Underlying all these issues are the high costs of the rail industry. Britain’s railway seems expensive to operate and these costs are being passed directly onto the passenger, despite increasing passenger numbers and revenue.

“We cannot simply go on dumping costs onto the passenger in this way,” Mr Smith argued.

Passenger Focus advises passengers to consider renewing their cheaper season tickets before these new prices bite.

ends
Notes to editors

1. Passenger Focus is the official, independent consumer organisation representing the interests of rail users nationally. Created by the Railways Act 2005, Passenger Focus is the operating name of the Rail Passengers Council. It is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Transport. We want to make a difference for rail passengers. We do this by:
- providing authoritative advice for the industry based on sound research
- securing improvements to rail services – both big and small-scale improvements
- helping passengers with advice and information
- campaigning for change and acting on passenger complaints

2. Media enquiries regarding this release should be addressed to:
Krista Hamblin
Press officer
0370 336 6021/07918 626 045
krista.hamblin@passengerfocus.org.uk