Spending review: Rail fares and toll prices to soar
Few will have escaped the cuts made by George Osbourne's Comprehensive Spending Review, but for motorists and rail passengers, slashed subsidies and an end to price caps look set to spell more commuting misery.
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Over the next four years, ticket prices are likely to rise by 10 per cent with the extra cash going on protecting major road and rail projects from falling by the wayside.
But with the fare price cap increasing to three per cent above inflation as of January 2012, experts say the real cost could be between 20 and 30 per cent more over the four years.
That means for those travelling daily from towns such as Brighton, Reading and Gillingham, the price of a season ticket could go up by around £1,000.
These sizeable price hikes, we're led to believe, will raise some much-needed money for new trains and improved passenger conditions.
Stephen Joseph, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, called the rises "eye-watering" and told the Daily Mail: "Hard-working commuters who depend on the train face paying over £1,000 more for their annual season ticket by the time of the next election.
Motorists haven't escaped either as toll charges are also on the rise. The cost of the Dartford crossing will go up from £1.50 to £2 next year and to £2.50 the year after, in order to pay for an extra crossing and replacing toll booths with more automatic payment booths.
However, the £5,000 cash incentive for those buying electric cars remains.
Are you a commuter? What do you think about these fare increases? Leave your comments below.
