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New train tickets could be used to raise fares
A new train ticketing system was condemned on Monday for not going far enough in keeping prices down.
- Agencies
- Published: 23:49 September 8, 2008
London: A new train ticketing system was condemned on Monday for not going far enough in keeping prices down.
And there are fears that some operators may try to "sneak through" fare increases by scrapping or not publicising cheap deals.
Tickets for on-the-day travel are now split into two categories: Anytime and off-peak.
Stephen Joseph, executive director for the watchdog Campaign for Better Transport, said: "This will not solve the fundamental problem - the Anytime tickets are still too expensive compared with advance tickets.
"If we are serious about reducing carbon emissions then we need to make green travel cheaper. As it is, rail travel is getting more and more expensive."
He called on ministers to reverse the White Paper last year that stated travellers would be forced to pay tens of millions of pounds more to subsidise the railways - up from a 50 per cent share to 75 per cent.
The Government argues that costs should be borne by those who use the railways rather than the general taxpayer.
The Evening Standard revealed last month that many London commuter fares will rocket by 10 per cent - double the rate of inflation - when the new rates come into force in January.
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