Rail fares have risen by 12% since privatisation

Britain Has Worlds Highest Rail Prices - Survey

UBS survey suggests that the cost of train travel has risen in Britain by an avergae of 12% since rail privatisation began. Since 1994 (the last year before privatisation) the average cost of a standard class 120 mile journey was £24, today the same journey costs £35.

The rail pressure group, Save Our Railways, blamed the increase on a five per cent rise in fares announced before the first rail franchises were awarded.

Jonathan Bray, speaking for SOR on the Today programme said that although more money had been spent on the railways since privatisation much of that had been eaten up by the privatisation process itself and had not been used to keep rail fares down.

Jonathan Bray of Save Our Railways
Dur. 1' 46"

The Government is concerned, Ms Jackson said, to ensure that, "public money produces a high level of service for the public". The surveys results come a week after the Government unveiled its consultation paper designed to create a more intergrated transport system.

Glenda Jackson speaking on the Today programme
Dur. 4' 46"

Opraf, the rail franchising director's office who are responsible for fares, questioned the surveys findings saying it was impossible to make sensible price comparisons on a basis of a single journey.

August 21, Search For Transport Solutions