Today’s rail fare rises of up to 2.7% cannot be justified when the private rail companies have paid out more than £1.2 billion in dividends to shareholders in the last five years, says the TUC.
The TUC says that working people who rely on trains to get to work are getting a raw deal. In the decade since 2009, fares for commuters have risen by 46%. But the average weekly wage has only risen 23%.
TUC analysis finds that some UK commuters spend more than seven times as much on season tickets as their European equivalents.
Someone on an average salary travelling from Chelmsford to London will have to fork out 16% of their pay for season tickets (£511 a month). But comparable commutes would cost a mere 2% of the average salary in France, and 4% in Germany and Belgium.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said; “Working people have had enough of over-crowded and unreliable services.
“The number one priority should be running a world-class railway service, not subsidising shareholders.
“No more excuses – the government must end the failed privatisation and put trains back in public ownership. This would free up money for much-needed upgrades and lower ticket prices for working people.”
Independent watchdog Transport Focus says most rail users (53%) do not feel train ticket prices offer value for money.
The watchdog’s director, David Sidebottom, said: “After a year of pretty poor performance in some areas, passengers just want a consistent day-to-day service they can rely on and a better chance of getting a seat.”
He encouraged passengers to claim compensation for eligible delays in order to “offset” the cost of fare rises.
