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Rail campaign groups call for rail fares to be frozen

Rail fares increase in line with the level of RPI in July - Ben Birchall/PA
Rail fares increase in line with the level of RPI in July - Ben Birchall/PA
Coronavirus Article Bar with counter
Coronavirus Article Bar with counter

Rail campaign groups called for fares to be frozen amid attempts to get commuters back to work.

The Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) called for the 2021 fare rise to be cancelled claiming it is “counterproductive” to efforts to encourage passengers back to the railways following a pandemic-induced collapse in demand.

July’s Retail Price Index figure, which determines the maximum rail fare increase, is due to be published by the Office for National Statistics next week.

Analysis by the EY Item Club, part of the accountancy firm, suggested it will be around one per cent, meaning the cost of a season ticket from Brighton to London could increase by £50.

Darren Shirley, chief executive of the CBT, said: "Millions of people around the country are starting to plan their return to work and a rail fare rise in January is the last thing they need.

"Raising rail fares when people are already staying away from the railway will further damage the economy and the environment at a time when we need to be investing in a green, sustainable transport-led recovery.”

He said the Government should hold fares at the current level.

Emily Yates, of the Association of British Commuters, said: "We need a bold fares policy from the government that significantly reduces all fares. Fare rises should be completely unthinkable at this point."

The Government is encouraging office workers who have been working from home since the start of lockdown to go back to work.

A spokesman for the Department for Transport said: “Passengers deserve punctual and reliable journeys at a fair price, which is why we are investing billions into modernising the network and are working at pace with industry to examine how we can help make sure part-time and flexible commuters are provided with better value and more convenient options.”

Roughly two per cent of journeys are via trains and the DfT said it has to ensure those using the railway fairly contribute.

Will rail fare increases put workers off returning to the office? Share your view in the comments section below