RAIL USER groups have slammed the planned 3.2 per cent fare increase due to come into force in January.
The annual rise was confirmed on Wednesday by the Retail Price Index (RPI) which is linked to inflation.
It means an annual pass between Droitwich and Birmingham New Street will go from £1,396 to £1,437.88.
Alan Humphries, the chairman of Droitwich Rail User Action Group, labelled the rise ‘disgraceful’ and said it was too much.
“We already don’t get what we pay for – the services we have in Droitwich are the same as they were five years ago, despite the year-on-year increase.
“They say the extra money will go on improvements but we don’t see any difference.
“Many people don’t get annual wage increases as well which means they are hit even harder.
“I’d love to know how they can justify a rise of this size.”
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling called for future rail fare increases to be based on the lower Consumer Prices Index which would mean a 2.5 per cent rise.
