Commuters in England face 6.2% rise in average train fares after a shock increase in the Retail Prices Index measure of inflation. Cars, air fares, clothing and housing are being blamed for the surprise rise in the Consumer Prices Index of inflation.
The Labour party has said that it would cap rail fare rises at one percent above the PRI rate of inflation. It is currently capped at three percent in England. Maria Eagle MP, the shadow transport secretary, said:
The rise in inflation means more misery for commuters as train companies can increase fares up by 6.2%. Will the Chancellor step in?
Today's inflation figures will give an indication of the level of rail fare increase we can expect in January. So what is driving that rise?
Commuters are braced for more misery as inflation figures were higher than expected meaning that train companies can charge more.