Anger at threatened fares hike

WESTCOUNTRY politicians are calling for a freeze on rail fares amid fears they may rise by 5.8% next year.

- WILLIAM TELFORD

Plymouth’s Liberal Democrats are backing calls for the Government to take action on ticket prices.

With the RPI inflation index coming in at 4.8% this week, it means rail fares are likely to jump by 5.8% next year, as they are calculated by adding a percentage point to the July inflation reading.

The Government has not yet confirmed how it will calculate rail fare increases for 2026 regulated fares, which make up about half of all rail journeys.

The campaign group Railfuture and transport charity Campaign for Better Transport have called for fares to be more affordable.

The Lib Dems have backed this nationally and in Plymouth with Cllr Dylan Tippetts saying: “Rail fares are absolutely eye-watering. A so-called ‘cheap rates’ restricted ticket from Plymouth to London Paddington and back costs £131.40.