The rises were announced just before Christmas by
Michael Roberts, chief executive of the Association of Train Operating
Companies.
General fares would rise on January 2 by an
average of 5,9% while regulated ones, which include season tickets, will go up
by an average of 6%.
Mr Roberts said he understood that a lot of
people faced financial difficulties but money raised through fares helps pay
for new trains and better service and the industry is also looking to limit
fare rises over the longer term. He also claimed the rises would ease the burden
on general taxpayers for running the railways.
Even though rail travellers will return to work
in January to face inflation-busting fare rises, they are luckier than
occasional passengers.
In fact, while season tickets rises are capped at
one per cent above the rate of inflation this year, there is no limit of prices
for most other tickets.
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