New increased rail fare prices come into force today (January 2) for passengers making train journeys from across Gedling borough.
The 1.1% increase, which was announced at the end of last year, covers all national rail fares.
Paul Plummer, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group which represents train operators and Network Rail, said:
“We know that nobody likes to pay more to travel by train, especially to get to work, and at 1.1 per cent this is the smallest average increase in fares for six years.
“On average 97p in every pound from fares is spent on trains, staff and other running costs. With passenger numbers doubling in the last 20 years, money from fares now almost covers the railway’s day-to-day operating costs.
“This allows government to focus its funding on building a bigger, better network when the railway is becoming increasingly important at driving economic growth, underpinning jobs, and connecting friends and families.”
A few passengers at Carlton Station this morning reacted angrily to the news of the increase.
Ted Smith, 63, from Carlton, said: “Although it’s not a massive increase to me, I wish they’d start investing in the trains we get on this line. Some are over 30 years old and just aren’t fit for purspose.”
Tina Smart, 72, from Burton Joyce, agreed. She said: “The trains need replacing. They want more money from us but we don’t see much in return.”
Tony Cave, who has adopted the stations at Carlton and Netherfield, said that although nationally fares have increased quite substantially, locally, they are still quite reasonably priced.
He told Gedling Eye: “Nottingham off peak return from Carlton will now be £2.80, which compares favourably with bus fares. The same applies to Lowdham which I think is now £3.00 return. Matlock has gone up 10p to £11.20 return.
“There are plenty of discounts available especially if you have a railcard. Also group travel tickets are available for three up to nine travelling together both ways (only 1 ticket provided for the group) gives them one third off standard fares.”
The rise is the smallest in six years.
