Rail fares will not be going up in January by as much as expected

by political editor Paul Francis

Rail fares for Kent travellers will not be going up as much as had been feared next year.

Prime Minister David Cameron has announced the government is to cap an
increase to one per cent - plus the rate of inflation - for the next two years.

An increase of 3% had been announced in the summer and was due to come into effect next January.

But the proposed hike provoked a public outcry and was condemned by several Kent MPs.

Among them was Tonbridge and Malling MP Sir John Stanley, pictured left.

He gave a cautious welcome to the news, but said he wanted the government
to go further.

"My view is that the increase in rail fares should only be at the rate of inflation and preferably below it, given that over a number of years there has been a year-by-year increase for huge numbers of people.

"This is one of the inescapable facts of life for people who live in Kent and work in London - you have to pay what they charge."

Despite the news, some fares could still rise by more than 8%, under a
formula allowing companies like Southeastern to put up some fares by a
further 5% so long as it is balanced by cuts in others.

That option has been retained, but because the cap will apply to peak time services, there are fears off-peak travellers will be hit harder.

Sir John said that was a sting in the tail for passengers.

"As far as I am concerned, I want Southeastern to go no further than the rate of inflation plus 1%," he said.

In a statement, the Department for Transport said: "The decision to reduce the planned increases, funded from savings identified in the DfT's budget, will benefit hard-pressed commuters and passengers.

"In future years, the DfT will look to absorb the costs by reprioritising within existing budgets."

Anthony Smith, chief executive of Passenger Focus, said: "We welcome the news the government has reduced the price increase to RPI plus 1%. For hard pressed passengers who rely on the train, especially those who don't have the option to change the times they travel to take advantage of cheaper options, this will be a relief."

He added: "However, the result is still a big increase in regulated fares. Passengers in the UK already pay some of the highest fares in Europe and our most recent passenger survey showed that just 42% felt they had got value for money on their ticket."

Bryan Sweetland, Kent County Council cabinet member for highways, said:
"KCC's objective is to see rail fares rise by no more than the rate of inflation each year, so this announcement can only be seen as small step in the right direction.

"The new lower increase means that across Kent the regulated fares - such as season tickets and peak tickets - will rise by 4.2% in the New Year.

"The increase in unregulated fares - such as off-peak tickets - will be determined by the rail operator Southeastern, but will probably rise by a similar amount.

"KCC will continue to stand up for Kent's rail passengers and be a voice of reason for Kent's commuters who really are being financially hit by these huge increases each year."