Train firms may be forced to cut fares for commuters
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Train companies could be forced to cut the prices of some fares in line with falling prices across the rest of the economy, it emerged last night.
Today, Transport Secretary Lord Adonis will announce that the Government has rejected the companies' pleas to relax rules on compulsory price reductions, forcing them to cut the cost of "regulated fares" including season tickets and off-peak returns.
These tickets are linked to the inflation rate, which is predicted to be negative in the coming months. The price cuts will benefit commuters, but there are fears that the cash-strapped companies could be forced to lay off staff.
They could also be forced to put up the prices on unregulated fares such as singles and cheap day returns.
A spokesman for the Department for Transport said: "RPI will be significantly negative in July, according to forecasting. Andrew Adonis will tell the Transport Select Committee that if these predictions prove accurate then the Government intends to allow regulated fares to fall. He will dismiss suggestions that fares might be frozen simply to benefit the train operating companies, as this would be grossly unfair."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments