Rail price hikes ‘may lead to financial dismay’

People could be left out of pocket due to lax regulations regarding rail ticket pricing, it has been suggested.

Richard Hebditch, campaigns director at Campaign for Better Transport, revealed the flexibility privatised companies have in determining travel costs could lead to money worries for some.

The specialist said that current government practice allows such firms to take advantage of their customers.

“Season tickets and walk on fares are regulated by the government, but we are concerned that these rates have been allowed to rise above rates of inflation each year,” he remarked.

Mr Hebditch recommended that a major review of rail fare structure is now necessary to prevent rail companies tinkering with peak time train hours to make the most profit from their consumers.

His comments came in response to figures released by Passenger Focus, which showed that 45 per cent of individuals who travel by train believe their journeys do not represent value for money.

By Joe Shervin