Good morning, Rail commuters face an increase in season ticket prices of 1.6 per cent despite people being urged to return to work amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The cap on the annual rise in most regulated fares is linked to the previous July’s retail price index (RPI) measure of inflation, which was announced by the Office for National Statistics yesterday. Rail fares are usually increased every January, although there is speculation that ministers are considering delaying the 2021 rise due to low passenger numbers. The UK, Scottish and Welsh governments regulate rises for about half of fares, including season tickets on most commuter routes, some off-peak return tickets on long-distance journeys and tickets for travel around major cities at any time. The increase means Edinburgh to Glasgow season ticket holders face a price rise of £67. A message from the editor: While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. Subscribe to the Edinburgh Evening News online and enjoy unlimited access to trusted, fact-checked news and sport from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Visit https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website. Joy Yates Editorial Director |