WHY DO RAIL FARES GO UP EVERY JANUARY?
The annual increase in rail fares is always controversial. Here we look at nine key questions around this year's rise.
- Why does the cost of train travel increase every year?
It has been the policy of successive Governments to switch the burden of funding the railways from taxpayers to passengers.
- How much more expensive have train fares become?
Office of Rail and Road figures show that between January 1995 - around the time the network was privatised - and January 2019, average fares increased in real terms by 21%.
This year's rise is 2.7%.
- When are fares increased?
Prices rise on the first working day of every new year.
- Who decides how much they go up by?
Increases in about 45% of fares are regulated by the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments. The rest are decided by train companies.
- Which fares are regulated?
Season tickets on most commuter routes, some off-peak return tickets on long-distance journeys and tickets for travel around major cities at any time are regulated.
- How is the cap on the rise in these fares calculated?
Most rises are pegged to the July Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure of inflation, which was 2.8%.
- Where does the money go?
The Rail Delivery Group says 98p of every £1 spent on train fares goes towards running and maintaining services.
- Is there any way of avoiding the fare rise?
Savvy commuters renewed their season tickets in the days before Thursday's increase.
- Any other tips on limiting the cost of train travel?
Passengers can save money by getting a railcard, travelling off-peak and booking in advance, although these options are not available for many journeys, particularly those made by commuters.
Published: by Radio NewsHub