Warning over rail price prises
Passenger groups have urged ministers to take action on rail fare increases, over fears next January will see prices on some routes rising by up to 10%. Retail Price Index inflation figures out on Tuesday will be used as the benchmark for new year ticket price rises, and the Government has asked operators to raise average fares by three points above it. Transport campaigners say the rises will put pressure on household budgets, with Anthony Smith, chief executive of the watchdog Passenger Focus, urging ministers to rein in the increase from RPI +3 to RPI +1. “This time of all times, just limit the pain, please!” he said.