Rail Delivery Group responds to RPI figure which will set regulated rail fares for 2018
Commenting on the release today of July’s RPI figure - 3.6% - which is used by government to set next January's increase to regulated rail fares, Paul Plummer, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group – which brings together train companies and Network Rail to improve the railway – said:
“Money from fares pays to run and improve the railway, making journeys better, boosting the economy, creating skilled jobs and supporting communities across Britain, and politicians set increases to Season tickets. It’s also the case that many major rail industry costs rise directly in line with RPI. Rail companies are working together to improve performance now, adding thousands more seats over the next 18 months and, longer term, simplifying fares and ticket buying so that the country has the railway it needs to prosper.”
Notes to editor:
- In Scotland, the maximum permitted annual increase for selected regulated peak fares, including Anytime and Season tickets, is set to the level of the Retail Price Index (RPI), and one per cent below RPI for regulated Off-Peak fares.
- In Wales regulated rail fares are capped at the rate of RPI: http://gov.wales/newsroom/transport/2016/160926-welsh-government-announces-cap-on-rail-fares/?lang=en
ENDS