Rail passengers in Gedling borough will be hit by an above inflation fares rise for the first time in eight years, the Department for Transport (DfT) has revealed.
Ticket prices will increase by an average of 2.6% from March 1 next year, which is July’s Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure of inflation plus 1%.
The average increase across all fares will still be the lowest since 2017.
Season ticket holders have until February 28 to renew at existing prices and the cost of daily fares will stay the same until then too
Rail travel has been badly hit during the coronavirus crisis, and Rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris said delaying the price rise from January “ensures passengers who need to travel have a better deal this year”.
Regulated fares make up about half of fares and include season tickets on most commuter routes. But operators are expected to match their rises for unregulated fares.
The rail minister said: “By setting fares sensibly, and with the lowest actual increase for four years, we are ensuring that taxpayers are not overburdened for their unprecedented contribution, ensuring investment is focused on keeping vital services running and protecting frontline jobs.”
The government took over rail franchise agreements from train operators in March, following the collapse in demand for travel caused by the virus crisis. This is expected to have cost about £10bn by mid-2021.
The government said the rise will help recover some of the significantly increased costs met by taxpayers to keep services running during the pandemic, Mr Heaton-Harris said.
