Rail users are being hit twice as hard as motorists, with higher fares and cuts in services, according to a report by a UK thinktank.
A report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has recommended the Government invests in rail and bus services, while pushing forward planned fuel duty increases, to help cash-strapped rail users.
The report, which is called ‘War on motorists: myth or legend’, argues that motorists can cut costs by switching to smaller and more fuel-efficient cars and by cutting out non-essential journeys, compared public transport passengers who often have no alternative.
Between 1997 and 2010, rail fares rose by 66.2 per cent while all motoring costs rose by just 32.5 per cent.
Last week, the Government announced that many rail fares will rise by 6.2 per cent. The report argues that delays in fuel duty increases cost the taxpayer £2.8 billion last year – money which could have been used to support improvements in public transport systems.
Will Straw, IPPR associate director, said: “No number of Tax Payers Alliance petitions will change the facts. Compared to users of public transport, there is no war on motorists.
“Rail and bus users have seen fares spiral out of control while the cost of driving has actually fallen over the last decade. Users of public transport rarely have an alternative, while car drivers can switch to smaller and more fuel-efficient cars and cut out non-essential journeys.
“Given the pressures on the public purse, the Chancellor should avoid further delays in fuel duty and think again on rail fare hikes.”
David Sidebottom, Passenger Focus director, said: “Passengers have had to endure years of inflation-busting fare increases, so the IPPR’s findings confirm what passengers have been telling us.
“The effect of last week’s inflation announcement may lead to fare rises of up to 11.2 per cent on some routes in the New Year. These fare rises will definitely leave passengers feeling an extra chill in 2013.
“Last year Britain’s rail passengers spent over £7 billion on fares, so they’re already doing their bit in contributing to the future of the railway.”
