Government regulated fares 'to fall from Saturday'

Date: 31/12/2009

The majority of government regulated rail fares are set to fall on January 2nd, the Department for Transport has announced.

Increases to most fares regulated by the government are capped at one per cent above inflation.

Since the inflation rate was -1.4 per cent this year, most regulated fares will decrease.

New legislation will also come into force this year, meaning operators will be unable to increase individual regulated fares by more than five per cent above the national fare change.

Transport secretary Andrew Adonis commented on the changes: "Passengers will welcome these reductions - regulated fares include the weekly, monthly and annual season tickets used by commuters as well as many day singles and returns and long distance off-peak fares."

He added that this is the first time in a generation many passengers will have seen a fare decrease implemented.

Meanwhile, those planning to see in the New Year in London could benefit from free public transport, which is being offered on New Years Eve.