Analysis by the Liberal Democrats has found that despite Government claims to the contrary, the average regulated rail fare will cost 0.7% more in real terms in January than in 1997. Regulated rail fares include season and saver tickets.

Unregulated fares, which include peak single and return tickets, have increased by a massive 35% in real terms over this period.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Norman Baker said:
 
“The Government wants to give the impression that they are on the side of train passengers but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

“The reality is that by forcing rail fares up above inflation, the Government is fleecing rail passengers.

“Pushing up the cost of low-carbon travel makes a mockery of any claim of a climate change strategy.”