The cost of an annual season ticket for Harrogate & Knaresborough commuters could rise by up to £173.52 next year, the highest amount in over a decade.
Harrogate rail commuters set for biggest price hike in last decade The cost of an annual season ticket for Harrogate and Knaresborough commuters could rise by up to £173.52 next year - the biggest hike in over a decade. It comes after yesterday's figures show that Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation in July reached 9%. This is the figure normally used to increase rail fares from next March. And the Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to freeze rail fares after ministers refused to say by how much rail tickets will rise by next year. Annual season ticket prices between Harrogate and Leeds is expected to rise from £1,928 to £2,101. The rise comes despite disrupted services over the past year due to industrial action and frequent cancellation of trains across the region, including the Government taking over the failing Transpennine Express. The Liberal Democrats are calling for rail fares to be frozen for five years. The party is also calling for improved reliability in the current train services, and the electrification of the line between Leeds and Harrogate. Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Harrogate & Knaresborough, said:
“Liberal Democrats are fighting for a fair deal for local commuters and families who will be left forking out even more for train journeys in the middle of a cost of living crisis. “Ministers cannot keep turning a blind eye to these problems, especially given people are paying more for less on our rail network with more delays, cancellations and their failure to deal with the strikes. “If this Government had even a shred of decency they would freeze rail fares immediately to help families struggling under the cost of living crisis the Conservatives created."Mr Gordon added:
“We know that our local line is close to capacity, in dire need of investment, and the paying more for the status quo simply isn’t good enough. “We should be making clean forms of transport cheaper, yet this Conservative Government is determined to make rail more expensive than ever before.”Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
