Priced out: Labour slams rise in train fares across the region - The Coventry Observer

Priced out: Labour slams rise in train fares across the region

Coventry Editorial 9th Jan, 2021   0

WEST Midlands routes will bear brunt of the biggest rail season ticket hikes, say Labour.

The claim comes after the government signalled a rise in train fares by 2.6 per cent from March 1, 2021.

Labour has compared the costs on more than 180 train routes between when the Conservatives came to power and the projected new prices that will be implemented this month.

The average commuter will now be paying £3,144, for their season ticket, £950 or 43% more than in 2010.




New figures released by Labour show:

· Fares will rise to 43 per cent more than they were in 2010.


· Some commuters will be paying over £3,450 more to travel to work than in 2010.

· The highest increase is projected to be on a Virgin Trains season ticket between Birmingham and London Euston, which will have risen by £3,467 since 2010 and now costs £11,204.

· The biggest percentage increase identified was between Tame Bridge Parkway near Walsall and Nuneaton, where the cost of an annual season ticket will have risen by 63 per cent since 2010.

· Average fares have risen two-and-a-half times faster than wages.

Jim McMahon MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, said: “Decisions taken by ministers are making rail travel unaffordable and discouraging people from getting back on to the network when restrictions ease, which will be vital for getting the sector on a stable footing.

“The truth is fragmented, privatised railway drives up costs and leaves passengers paying more for less.

“Labour has long argued that public ownership of the rail network will provide better value for the taxpayer and for passengers. The Government must stop bolstering profit for private companies and bring the network in-house.”

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