FARE’S FAIR?

14 FARE’S FAIR? As London commuters face train fare hikes of up to 10 per cent this month, RMT News looks at the reasons why the costs of rail travel in Britain is among the highest in the world Despite massive profits being made by the train operating companies, London commuters face fares increases this January of up to 10 per cent – four times the rate of inflation. Many fares will rise to between six and seven per cent, although commuters who use combined Tube and rail travelcards will pay more because of increases already announced by London Underground. FARE RISES ON 2 JANUARY Company Ave peak Ave. off fare rise peak rise c2c 3.9% 4.4% Central trains 3.9% 6.4% Chiltern railways 3.9% 5.0% First great Western 3.9% 4.5% First Great Western Link 3.9% 4.5% First ScotRail 3.9% 3.7% Gatwick Express 3.0% 5.6% GNER 3.9% 8.8% Great Northern (WAGN) 3.9% 8.8% Heathrow Express n/a 3.6% Midland Mainline 3.9% 6.0% Northern 3.9% 3.9% One 3.8% 3.5% Silverlink 3.9% 6.1% South Eastern Trains 3.9% 3.0% Southern 3.9% 3.9% South West trains 3.9% 4.9% Thameslink 3.9% 2.9% Virgin CrossCountry 3.9% 4.6% Virgin West Coast 3.9% 5.9% LONG DISTANCE ROUTES Destination Old fare New fare Birmingham £100 £108 Crewe £145 £156 Glasgow £206 £222 Liverpool £175 £189 Manchester £187 £202 Preston £195 £210