Rail fares to go up but rise is limited

Rail operators were looking at raising the average price for regulated fares, including season tickets, by 6.2 percent in the New Year,

But the Government has now stepped in and said that any fare increase will be capped at 4.2 percent.

A spokesman for the Association of Train Operating Companies said: “The Government’s change in policy is a positive move for passengers as it will mean lower than expected fare rises.

“All the extra money that Minister’s had instructed train companies to raise through the planned higher increases in regulated fares would have gone to the Government .”

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “We are committed to fair rail pricing and the announcement is good news for both commuters and those who use the train less regularly.

“My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I have been making the case for a fair deal for passengers and I am delighted that the two parties have come together on this.

“We have been very clear that as soon as public finances allow, we should try to bring rail fares down and that we should keep the price rises to a minimum in the meantime.”

Rye commuters can already look forward to a more positive start to the year than they had this year when the Rye line was closed completely for nine weeks while structural work was carried out on the Ore Tunnel.

Campaigners are still pushing for dual tracking and electrification of the line.