Train fares to rise by 3.8% in England and Wales as London tube strike begins
Rail fares will rise across England and Wales by an average of 3.8% on Tuesday, the same day that a city-wide tube strike begins in London.
The fare rise, set by last July’s RPI inflation figure, will pile hundreds of pounds to some passengers’ annual travel costs, adding to the wider cost of living crisis.
Campaigners said the increase would harm efforts to attract people back to public transport and to reinvigorate city centre economies after the pandemic.
Fares will rise by an average 4.8% in London – 1% above RPI – as a condition of the emergency funding settlements agreed between central government and Transport for London.
Passengers will struggle to travel in the capital over the next three or four days, with two 24-hour strikes on the London underground to be held on Tuesday and Thursday over fears for jobs, pensions and working conditions. TfL has told commuters to expect severe disruption across all services, with most tube trains stopped entirely on both strike days and the effects of the walkout likely to be felt on the Wednesday and Friday mornings. Other trains are likely to be busier and buses slowed by ensuing congestion on the roads.
TfL advised Londoners who rely on tube connections to work from home if possible, or for essential travel to consider walking, cycling or using rental e-scooters, and to allow extra time for their journeys.
Last-minute talks on Monday were held between TfL and the RMT union but sources said there was little expectation of a breakthrough after negotiations at Acas stalled last week.
Fare rises coming into effect on Tuesday will add between 10p and 30p to most single fares on buses and tubes, and raise price caps on travel in the capital.
A slightly lower 3.8% average rise on train
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