Calls for major fares shake-up as rail prices rise despite pandemic

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.

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