Evidence A- 'UK has most expensive rail travel in Europe'

'UK has the most expensive rail travel in Europe'- Evidence A

Simplified the UK's train prices are significantly higher than the most expensive place in europe France and four times more expensive than italy one of the cheapest countries. 

• Fares were 50% higher in Britain than on the Continent

• areas to London from elsewhere in the UK cost more 
than similar European journeys. 

• Annual season tickets for journeys under 25 miles were 88% more expensive than the next most expensive country – France –  and more than four times pricier than the cheapest country – Italy.

• The number of passengers per train journey kilometre in 2009 was 107 in Britain and 294 in France. 

• This is due to frances high speed railway ( SNFC)
• this makes it more efficient as the french trains  have large seat capacity of (500 seats), long trains (240m) and some use double deck coaches. 
• The study suggested that the Government reconsider its plan to shift the cost of railways from taxpayers to passengers, arguing the policy was “born in very different economic times”. 

• Anthony Smith, Chief Executive of Passenger Focus, said: “This study explains why Britain’s passengers are happy with the quality of services but not happy with value or money. Pricing of tickets is a key factor, but so are overcrowding and delays at peak times. Passengers cannot be expected to pay above-inflation fare increases year on year during a recession”.  

• HS2-  Patrick McLoughlin, the Transport Secretary, said the fare structure would be the same as the rest of the network with higher fares being charged during the rush hour.
• The decision not to impose premium fares is seen as an attempt to deflect criticism that the high speed network will become a “rich man’s toy” with only the better off able to afford eye-watering fares.
• Widely reported yesterday was the increase in train fares – averaging at about 4%, but with some routes seeing much higher increases.
• The government says its proposals "assume a fares structure in line with that of the existing railway" and that HS2 could generate sufficient demand and revenues without needing to charge premium fares. It estimates fare revenues of up to £34bn over a 60-year period.

• Several newspapers reported anger among travellers at the increased costs of commuting. 
• over the past decade prices have raised by almost 90% 
• Fare premium for high speed rail

  Ashford (International) – London	20%	48% at non peak times
  Paris – Lyon	13% to 46%
  Florence – Rome	43% to 123%
  Frankfurt – Dusseldorf	53% to 90%
  Madrid – Barcelona	115%
  Amsterdam – Brussels	206%

However.. 

• So far the figures do not bode well for UK commuters preparing to purchase their next travel ticket. However a closer look reveals that the UK system offers more flexibility than in other countries, meaning that astute travellers can potentially secure cheaper deals than are available to many Europeans.
• Actually, fares are likely to come down after HS2.
  With 1000 seats every 15 mins to Birmingham, they will want the seats filled up.
  They also will want to tempt people off the overcrowded WCML and onto HS2 – done by lower fares.