Research backs RMT view that high fares deter rail use

Publication Date: July 13 2006

Findings by Passenger Focus released today confirm RMT’s view that fares are too expensive and act as a disincentive to rail travel.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said that following privatisation one of the limited protections passengers enjoyed was regulated fares but these are being eroded, allowing fares to rise above inflation.

He called on the government to institute a review to reduce fare levels, simplify ticketing structures and encourage a shift from private car use to environmentally-sustainable rail use.

"Season ticket prices can now increase by RPI plus 1 per cent and the restrictions on the use of Savers continue to grow, leaving rail users out of pocket and not out of their cars," he said.

A House of Commons Transport Select Committee report on fares released in May 2006 also concluded that the present fares system was driven by profit rather than the needs of passengers.

*More information on the latest research on rail fares is available on the Passenger Focus website: http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk/