AS Scotland's commuters return to work today forced to pay an additional 3.9% on their train fares, the only consolation is that they would pay even more in other parts of the UK.
AS Scotland's commuters return to work today forced to pay an additional 3.9% on their train fares, the only consolation is that they would pay even more in other parts of the UK.
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The average increase for the UK is 4.2%, the 10th consecutive above-inflation rise in ticket prices.
Rail fares have become a political issue and policy on regulated fares increasingly diverges between London and Edinburgh. The Tory/LibDem Coalition at Westminster took a policy decision that passengers should pay more to ensure investment in the rail network. However, a proposal to increase fares by the Retail Price Index (RPI) plus 3% for three consecutive years to fund infrastructure projects, including high-speed rail, did not survive opposition from passengers and MPs in commuter constituencies angry at the prospect of a 6.2% increase. The formula was hastily reduced to RPI plus 1%.
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Rail passengers deserve better
AS Scotland's commuters return to work today forced to pay an additional 3.9% on their train fares, the only consolation is that they would pay even more in other parts of the UK.
The average increase for the UK is 4.2%, the 10th consecutive above-inflation rise in ticket prices.
Rail fares have become a political issue and policy on regulated fares increasingly diverges between London and Edinburgh. The Tory/LibDem Coalition at Westminster took a policy decision that passengers should pay more to ensure investment in the rail network. However, a proposal to increase fares by the Retail Price Index (RPI) plus 3% for three consecutive years to fund infrastructure projects, including high-speed rail, did not survive opposition from passengers and MPs in commuter constituencies angry at the prospect of a 6.2% increase. The formula was hastily reduced to RPI plus 1%.
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Moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Please be patient if your posts are not approved instantly.
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