Rail fare rises to be capped, PM announces

IPSWICH MP Ben Gummer today welcomed an announcement by the Prime Minister that rail fare increases for the next two years will be capped at a lower rate than had previously been agreed.

Ticket prices will rise by an average of 1 per cent above the RPI measure of inflation instead of the planned RPI + 3pc formula.

Conservative MP Mr Gummer said it was “excellent news” and he was very pleased that the government had listened to concerns of commuters.

He added: “RPI + 3pc has been in place for a long time.

“I think this will make a significant difference, especially for people who commute from a long distance like many people that live in Ipswich.

“But we must make sure that the money stays in the region and goes to pay for new rail infrastructure.”

Essex MP Priti Patel added: “I welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to reduce the cap on rail fare increases, which will save my constituents money.

“Conservatives in government have acted on the concerns of my constituents.

“But with fares still going up at a rate higher than inflation and wages barely increasing if at all, commuters will still be feeling their incomes squeezed by the costs of travel.”

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “This is expected to benefit more than a quarter of a million annual season ticket holders who can expect to have an extra £45 back in their pockets as a result of today’s decision.

“Many more holders of weekly and monthly season tickets could also see lower fares and some commuters will be over £200 better off over the two years.”

n Are you a regular commuter? Do you welcome the news? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starnews@archant.co.uk