The 2.7 million passengers who use Northampton train station every year could face paying up to six per cent more for their rail fares from January, in light of proposed price increases.
Fares are due to rise on January 1 but an unexpected rise in inflation means commuters will face a price hike of 6.2 per cent on average.
A spokesman for London Midland, the train company that serves Northampton, said: “Our fares are set in line with Government policy and reflect the terms of our franchise agreement.
“The Government decides the average increase of commuter ticket prices and other regulated fares which we will be required to introduce in January 2013.
“It has been Government policy during the past eight years for passengers to pay a larger share of the cost of operating the railways and to focus taxpayers’ money on investing in longer term improvements to the network.
“Following the publication of last month’s Retail Price Index figures, we will now be carefully considering the implications and planning for fare changes in January.” Commuter Neil Jarrett, 31, said: “I think the raise is excessive as it seems to be every year – always outweighing inflation at a time when everyone is feeling the pinch.
“I wouldn’t mind as much if the service standard increased by a similar level to warrant the increase but that never seems to be the case in my experience, particularly when I can’t even get a seat!” Paul Minton, vice chairman of the Northampton Rail Users’ Group, said: “For us, this announcement is very disappointing.
“The news about ticket prices increasing above the rate of inflation is tough on everyone but especially on those who need to commute to get to work.
“Not everyone who works in London is on a massive amount of money and soon I expect people will be priced out of travelling to work which is clearly wrong.
“We already have one of the most expensive train services in Europe.
“Through our chairman, Brian Binley MP, we will be making a representation to the Government about the unfairness of it all.” What do you think? Email letters@HPnorthants.co.uk
