Rail passengers across the country are now paying 2.3 percent more for train tickets, as the first working day of 2017 sees price hikes come into effect.
Rail fares are increased by a similar percentage on the first day of the year every year, which operates across all ticket types.
Lianna Etkind, of the Campaign for Better Transport, called the fare increase a “kick in the teeth for long-suffering rail passengers”.
The price hikes have caused particular controversy this year, beginning just as the strike by conductors on one of the UK’s busiest networks, Southern Rail, entered its third day. The RMT union began the 72-hour walkout on New Year’s Eve, with another strike set for 9 January. This is on top of a series of strikes in the weeks leading up to the Christmas break.
Bruce Williamson, from independent campaign group Railfuture, said: “With the chaos on Southern, lacklustre performance in Scotland and stalled electrification on the Great Western main line, passengers are going to wonder what they are getting for their increased ticket price.”
According to the BBC train ticket prices are increasing well above the level of inflation, rising around 25 percent since the mid-1990s. Labour party research shows that season tickets have gone up by an average of 27 percent since 2010.
Prices are now at record highs, with a Virgin Trains season ticket between Birmingham and London now costing £10,200, up £2,172 since 2010. Those who use the Southern Rail route between Brighton to London – when running – pay almost £1,000 more than this time six years ago.
The impressive price hikes are due to the proportion of the tickets paid for by passengers, which have risen under recent governments. Previously at 50 percent, it is now around 70 percent.
General secretary of the TUC, Frances O’Grady, commented: “British commuters are forced to shell out far more on rail fares than others in Europe. Many will look with envy at the cheaper, publicly-owned services on the continent.
“Private train companies are milking the system, and the government is letting them get away with it.”