Rail fares rising almost twice as fast as wages

Rail Union RMT

Rail fares have increased at twice the speed of wages since 2010, according to new analysis released today by the RMT on the eve of the Government announcement on the latest fare hike.

The analysis shows that rail fares have risen by around 32% in eight years, while average weekly earnings have only grown by 16%.

The findings come as the government is set to announce another round of regulated rail fare hikes for the coming year tomorrow (15 August).

Rail workers will be protesting at the stations around the country on 15 August warning that passengers are paying “more for less” because even as fares rise rail engineering work is being delayed or cancelled, "skilled railway jobs are being lost and staff are being cut on trains, stations and ticket offices".

The workers will be calling for reduced fares, public ownership and protection of jobs.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:  “Government policy of suppressing workers’ wages while at the same time presiding over corporate welfare on our privatized railway has resulted in a toxic combination of fare rises easily outstripping wages.

“The private operators and government say the rises are necessary to fund investment but the reality is that they are pocketing the profits while passengers are paying more for less
with rail engineering work being delayed or cancelled, skilled railway jobs being lost and staff cut on trains, stations and at ticket offices.”