UK: The annual change in rail fares will be delayed from January until March 1 2021, the Department for Transport announced on December 16.
Regulated fares will then increase by RPI+1, a 2·6% rise.
Passengers renewing season tickets will be able to do so at current rates until February 28. DfT said this would offer ‘a significant window’ for commuters who cannot work at home to purchase cheaper season tickets at the existing rate, allowing ‘greater flexibility in uncertain times’.
‘Delaying the change in rail fares ensures passengers who need to travel have a better deal this year’, said Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris. ‘By setting fares sensibly, and with the lowest actual increase for four years, we are ensuring that taxpayers are not overburdened for their unprecedented contribution, ensuring investment is focused on keeping vital services running and protecting frontline jobs.’
Jacqueline Starr, CEO of the Rail Delivery Group, said ‘governments must ultimately decide the balance between how much farepayers and taxpayers pay to run the railway. To keep fares down in the long term and support a green economic recovery from Covid-19 it is crucial to get people back travelling by train after the pandemic. While passengers will be disappointed at today’s news, we are committed to working with government to make the fares and retailing system easier to use and pushing for better value deals like flexible season tickets.’
Anthony Smith, Chief Executive of watchdog Transport Focus, said ’this fare increase makes it even more important that, when travel restrictions start to be lifted, the industry is able to attract people back by offering fares that match how we know people hope to live, work and travel in future. This could mean new flexible season tickets which offer better value for part-time commuters, and other tickets based on how people want to use the railway.’
