Train season tickets are set to soar by more than £100 when inflation-busting fare increases come in next year
- Train fares are going to increase by more than £100 in January this year
- The Retail Price Index inflation is expected to rise to 2.7 to 2.9 per cent in figures released next week
- Tickets from Oxford to London could see a £142 rise and Guildford to the capital, a steep £103
Inflation-busting fare increases will push up many season tickets by more than £100 in January.
Rail fares rise in line with the Retail Price Index inflation measure – the figure will be published next week and economists predict it will be 2.7 to 2.9 per cent.
RPI is typically higher than the Government’s preferred measure – the Consumer Price Index – which the Bank of England says will be 1.8 per cent in July.
Commuter chaos: People will soon be expected to fork out nearly £150 from Oxford to London in January
If prices rise 2.7 per cent, season tickets to London from Guildford and St Albans – already costing more than £3,800 – will go up another £103. Those from Oxford could see a £142 rise from £5,256 to £5,398.
The Campaign for Better Transport’s Darren Shirley told the Evening Standard: ‘Next year’s rise will come as a blow to passengers already paying thousands to endure overcrowding, delays and trains that fail to stop at stations as scheduled.’