Indebted Britons ‘at risk’ from rail fare hikes

Those struggling with debt management problems may find themselves at a greater disadvantage if they need to travel anywhere by train as a new survey has revealed soaring prices in the rail industry for long-distance journeys.

The report brought to light the first £1,000 fare for a ticket across Britain and travellers on a return trip from Newquay to Kyle of Lochalsh will have to pay this amount if they book on the day.

In comparison, the same journey in September 2008 would have cost Britons £486.

Cat Hobbs of the Campaign for Better Transport described the fare as “ridiculous” and stated it is evidence of “how passengers are being squeezed”.

“We think that it’s about time the government took action [and] brought down fares,” she said.

This news may be of particular interest to those debtors trying to save money by holidaying within the UK, a trend that has grown in popularity as a result of the recession.

Bob Atkinson of Travelsupermarket.com recently noted that “a significant number” of people are staying in the country for their holidays.

By Sarah Adie