LONDON: UK train passengers are set to be hit with the biggest fare hikes in five years.
Fares for all journeys in 2018 that have been published showed an average rise slightly below the 3.6 percent set by the government in August for regulated fares, British media reported on Tuesday.
According to the British Rail Delivery Group, ticket prices across the UK will rise by 3.4 percent on average in 2018, the biggest increase since 2013.
British passenger unions said it was “another kick in the teeth” for passengers paying the highest fares in Europe.
Passenger watchdog Transport Focus said this comes as a blow to many passengers whose incomes have stagnated or decreased.
“The government carefully monitors how rail fares and average earnings change and keeps the way fare levels are calculated under review,” a Department for Transport spokesperson said.
“We are investing in the biggest rail modernization programme for over a century to improve services for passengers – providing faster and better trains with more seats.”
Fares for all journeys in 2018 that have been published showed an average rise slightly below the 3.6 percent set by the government in August for regulated fares, British media reported on Tuesday.
According to the British Rail Delivery Group, ticket prices across the UK will rise by 3.4 percent on average in 2018, the biggest increase since 2013.
British passenger unions said it was “another kick in the teeth” for passengers paying the highest fares in Europe.
Passenger watchdog Transport Focus said this comes as a blow to many passengers whose incomes have stagnated or decreased.
“The government carefully monitors how rail fares and average earnings change and keeps the way fare levels are calculated under review,” a Department for Transport spokesperson said.
“We are investing in the biggest rail modernization programme for over a century to improve services for passengers – providing faster and better trains with more seats.”
