A predicted increase in UK rail fares will send out ‘the wrong signal’ at a time of impending crisis due to climate change, an economist said today.
Steve McCabe, Associate Professor at Birmingham City University, suggested price hikes in train travel “may mean some are tempted to use cars” and that the UK Government should ensure “everyone, especially the poorest, have access to equally good and affordable train travel”.
“That train fares could rise next year by 3.8%, in line with the rate of inflation in July based on the prevailing RPI (Retail Prices Index) calculated by the ONS (Office for National Statistics), will come as a blow to many travellers, especially those for whom trains are their only way to travel. Though we’re hearing much about wage rates going up in particular sectors, and ONS suggest the average is between 3.5 and 4.9%, many will not see their pay increase by enough to offset the rise in cost of travelling by train.
“At a time when there is supposed to be encouragement to people to return to normal, such a rise will not be helpful and may mean some are tempted to use cars. At a time of impending crisis due to climate change, and we are being exhorted to use public transport, this will send out the wrong signal.
“The ‘silver lining’ of the pandemic has been a sense that we can do things very differently. Greater use of trains should be part of a major shift, not just to go to work but to travel to holidays by the sea as used to happen in this country until the 1950s when the car became ‘king’.
“Anyone who’s been to Europe will marvel at the incredibly reliable, comfortable and, crucially, relatively cheap fares available on trains. This is not by accident.
“Governments are committed to the principle of subsidised public transport. Our government should learn from the example of others in ensuring everyone, especially the poorest, have access to equally good and affordable train travel.”
