Rail Fare Hike Imminent In U.K.

June 30, 2008 3:52 p.m. EST

London, England (AHN) - Barely six months after Britons were hit by a 15 percent rail fare increase at the start of the year, another round of train fare hike appears to be forthcoming.

Economists forecast a five percent increase by the end of the year to recover soaring cost of oil and energy bills. Using a government RPI plus one formula, it would translate to a 6 percent upward adjustment in ticket prices or at least $200 (100 pound) more for season ticket holders.

Britons who travel via the Southeastern route or rail passengers who reach London from Kent and East Sussex would likely have to shell out a higher 8 percent increase in train fares to recover the improvement in rail service in the region, particularly with the roll out of the high speed Javelin service into St. Pancras by 2009.

When train fares went up by almost 15 percent in January, British rail travelers were outraged because it came at a time when the service was marked by long delays, overcrowding and generally poor service. At that time train travelers rated the country's rail service with very low satisfaction ratings.