Rail hikes will leave people feeling short-changed

Today's 3.1% rise in rail fares will exacerbate commuters’ frustration at poor service, says Citizens Advice, as it reveals new figures on people seeking online help about train travel.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

“Many commuters will feel short-changed by today’s rail price rises as, while costs go up, services remain unsatisfactory.  Five thousand people sought online help from Citizens Advice about train problems in December 2013, with half seeking advice about getting compensation for cancelled or delayed trains.   

“Absorbing the rising costs of travelling to work, energy bills and the weekly shop is completely unsustainable for many households. As prices continue to rise more and more families will start to find they don't have enough money to cover the bills and risk falling into debt.”

Notes to editors:

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website .

  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

  3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk . You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk

  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers

  5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends

  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.