Demonstrators gather at stations across the country as the transport secretary blames “very sharp” wage increases in the industry.
Rail fare increases have been branded “disgraceful” after the average cost of tickets rose by 3.1% from today.
In what is being described as “another kick in the wallet” for passengers, the cost of many rail season tickets has risen by more than £100 – despite punctuality falling to a 13-year low.
Examples of changes to annual season ticket prices include:
- Brighton → London increasing £148 to £4,844
- Gloucester → Birmingham increasing £130 to £4,238
- Manchester → Liverpool increasing £100 to £3,252
Protests were held at train stations across the country on Wednesday as Transport Secretary Chris Grayling defended the fare rises, saying they had to cover “very sharp” wage increases in the rail industry.