Shropshire rail misery as fares up again
Rail passengers in Shropshire were today hit with above-average fare increases as the cost of travelling by train rose by more than five per cent.
The cost of an annual season ticket between Shrewsbury and Chester went up by more than £100 from today, with an £80 rise between Shrewsbury and Birmingham New Street.
Campaign group Passenger Focus said passengers were already paying some of the highest fares in Europe and called on the Government and train operators to reduce costs.
The cost of a 12-month season ticket for an adult travelling in standard class between Shrewsbury and Chester is going up from £2,036 to £2,144 – a 5.3 per cent increase.
And between Shrewsbury and Birmingham New Street, the cost is rising from £1,944 to £2,024 – a 4.1 per cent rise.
Similar increases are also being applied to shorter-term season ticket prices across both routes.
Arriva Trains Wales has increased the cost of a season ticket between Ludlow and Hereford by £100, with the price going up 5.3 per cent from £1,892 to £1,992.
Across the country, season tickets are up by an average 4.2 per cent, the 10th above-inflation increase in a row.
Passenger Focus passenger director David Sidebottom said the rises 'will add to the post-holiday blues' for commuters returning back to work today.
"Passengers in the UK already pay some of the highest fares in Europe and our most recent survey showed that just 42 per cent of passengers felt they had got value for money on their ticket," he said. "We support the Government's intention to end above-inflation rises as soon as possible, and encourage Government and industry to reduce costs as much as they can."
Michael Roberts, Association of Train Operating Companies chief executive, said: "Train companies will continue working to become more cost efficient, helping to take the pressure off future fare rises."
Fury as rail fares increase by 4.2pc - See today's Shropshire Star
