Protests At Hampshire And Dorset Stations Over Fare Rises

19 August 2014, 10:31

Rail passengers in Hampshire and Dorset face an average rise of 3.5% in train fares in January.

Campaigners have been protesting at 45 train stations across the country over ticket price increases far outstripping wages rises. The Action For Rail demonstrations included:

- Fratton station, Portsmouth: 7.30am – 9am
- Portsmouth & Southsea station: 7am – 9.30am
- Southampton Central station: 5.30am – 8.30am
- Wareham station, Dorset: 8am – 10am
- Weymouth station, Dorset: 6.45am – 8.45am

The fare rise is determined by adding 1% to the just-published Retail Prices Index inflation figure for July, which is 2.5%.

But train companies have a "flex" option to add another 2% to some fares, as long as the overall average stays at RPI plus 1%.

It means some fares will increase by about 4.5%.

Campaigners say the latest hike will mean fares have leapt by almost a quarter since the coalition came to power, while over the same period wages have risen by 6.9%.

Kevin Rowan of the TUC said it was bad news for passengers, and claimed the fare hikes were going towards the profits and shareholder dividends of the private train operators.

But Transport Minister Claire Perry defended the rises arguing there had been an "unprecedented investment" in the rail service.

She told Sky News: "The challenge is making sure fares are fair."

Rail passengers face a hike of 3.5% in train fares in the new year amid anger over the high-cost of train travel.

Campaigners have been protesting at 45 train stations across the country over ticket price increases far outstripping wages rises.