Rail fare rise sparks debate

The news that rail fares in the UK are set to rise by up to 6.2 per cent in the New Year might well have made tyre dealers optimistic of more business, but rail users aren't happy and they are not alone.

The prospect of more cars on the roads has dismayed pressure group Friends of the Earth, whose Head of Campaigns Andrew Pendleton said:

“Rocketing rail fares will be an enormous blow to cash-strapped commuters and will simply make it harder for many people to get to work and encourage more vehicles onto our over-crowded roads.

“Earlier this year the Government froze fuel duty for motorists – similar support should be given to rail-users by capping fare rises below inflation.

“Public transport played a huge part in making London 2012 such a tremendous success – we now need an Olympian effort to give people across the country an affordable alternative to the car.”