RAIL FARES

That this House notes that train companies have announced that UK rail fares will rise by 3.4 per cent on 2 January 2018, with this figure being above the latest Consumer Prices Index inflation figure of three per cent and being the largest increase in rail fares for five years; further notes that the average commuter will now be paying £2,888 for their season ticket, £694 more than in 2010; is concerned that UK passengers continue to pay the highest fares for rail travel in Europe; is further concerned that wages are not rising in line with fare increases, which will further increase pressure on commuters and others who travel by train; believes that rail fares were already too high before this rise; and calls on the Government to ensure that rail fares are reduced in real terms.