08/12/2005

Rail fares set to rise by up to 9%

Rail fares are set to rise by up to 9% on some routes in the New Year.

The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) announced today that from Monday, January 2, 2006, most regulated rail fares, those for season and saver tickets, will rise by 3.9%. Unregulated fares, including cheap day returns, long distance open and some advance purchase fares, will rise by around 4.5%.

George Muir, Director General of ATOC, said: “We need the revenue from fares to pay for the big improvements being made to the railways.

“Our railways are the fastest growing in Europe and operators will continue to introduce new trains, better passenger facilities and improved travel information.”

Regulated fares are determined by the fares regime introduced by the Strategic Rail Authority in June 2003. This allows for a rise of Retail Price Index (RPI) plus one percent based on the July RPI figure, which in 2005 was 2.9%.

The Rail Passenger Council said that the fare rises were a "disappointing early Christmas present."

The ATOC said that revenue from fares helps fund improvements to the railway.

The Association pointed out that passengers are already benefiting from new trains, more station refurbishments and better customer information systems.

The Government also receives premium payments from some operators which are reinvested in the railway.

(SP/GB)

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