Train fares are set to rise almost four times faster than wages next year Campaign for Better Transport has reported.
According to the latest wage and inflation forecasts from The Office for Budget Responsibility, average earnings for 2012 will increase by 2.2 per cent. Regulated rail fares on the other hand will increase by an average 8 per cent – almost four times (3.7) more – and up to 13 per cent in some places.
Alexandra Woodsworth, Campaign for Better Transport’s public transport campaigner, said:
“Times are tough for many people and they are going to get more so in the coming months. With fares rising so much faster than wages, the cost of the commute is becoming an increasingly heavy burden and there is a real danger that some people simply won’t be able to afford to get to work. We’ve seen help for drivers, but where is the help for rail passengers?”
With average earnings having dropped 5 per cent in real terms since the recession, some season tickets now cost a quarter of the average salary. By 2015, rail fares will be on average 28.4 per cent higher than they are now.
The figures are published as a group of MPs have tabled a parliamentary motion calling for fairer, more affordable rail fares.
