Skift Take
The imperative for private rail companies is to deliver the best quarterly returns rather than deliver a service that ties together the social fabric of a nation, which is why England is constantly regretting its decision to abandon much of its rail system to privateers.
Rail fares for season ticket holders have risen by as much as 50% in the past decade making travelling to work by train an extravagance that growing numbers of people struggle to afford, according to campaigners.
Commuters returning to work after the Christmas break face average season tickets increases of 4.3% and an overall rise on ticket prices of 3.9%. But the Campaign for Better Transport says this is just the latest in a series of fare increases that is having an "appalling" impact on commuters.
Chief executive Stephen Joseph said: "It's truly shocking that we have deliberately made getting the train to work an extravagance that many struggle to afford. The time has come not just to stop the rises but to reduce fares."
CBT said its research show
