Things are not peachy with the UK rail network – itself one of the most expensive networks in Europe, but there is some small relief when in the Autumn statement, the Chancellor capped the rise in fares in regulated fares from 8% to 6%.
Average rises amongst the train operating companies have settled down near the top, at 5.9%. However don’t read too much into that. Whilst the rise is capped at 6%, companies can pick and choose how to apply the rise on routes so there’s a fair bit of variance how it achieves a 6% increase.
Now normally, there’s a lovely list of what’s hit most. Alas, ATOC have decided that this year, you need to go and find out yourself at http://www.atoc.org/2012fares/
The next round of fare rises are due to hit on 2nd January 2012. For those in the dark of what a “regulated fare” is, these are tickets such as Season Tickets and Off-Peak Intercity Services.
All other fares (including “First Class”, “Special” or “discounted” tickets) are deemed “unregulated”). A great example of this is an advance ticket from London to Glasgow which rises a stonking 8.1% – adding £20 to a ticket.
Sadly, the cheapest way of travelling on the trains is to book well in advanced before setting off. This applies especially to Heathrow Express/Gatwick Express where you can find good deals if you look around (and the various HEX codes that can be found more often than not). Or alternatively if you’re going into/out of Heathrow, take the Heathrow Connect or London Underground. Depending where you head in London, the Tube can be quicker…
For those on Season tickets, I’d put aside an extra wodge of cash – you’re going to need it (least of all my Season ticket has shot up too with the double-whammy of Rail and Bus Fare tickets shooting up)
Nothing like “Merry Christmas” from the train companies…