IPPR North response to rail fares increase

Commenting on today’s 2.6% rail fares increase, IPPR North Research Fellow Marcus Johns said:

“We need to build a public transport system fit for key workers - not raise their fares.

“While many have worked from home during the pandemic, it is key workers who have continued to travel on our public transport network, so, it is key workers who will feel the immediate effects of today’s 2.6% price increase. This is not how to thank people who have spent the last year keeping our society afloat.

“If we are to build back better on public transport, we need an affordable, accessible, reliable and sustainable railway network for the North, or our region will continue to be let down by central government, who have consistently prevented the region from building a rail network fit for the 21st century.

“Blindly raising the rail fares of the people you have let down for decades- and pushing many towards cars and the pollution and congestion they create- is a step backwards in these challenges and the Transport Secretary knows this”.