The Daily Telegraph has disclosed that around 500,000 railway workers and their family members are commuting for free using the railway services. On the other hand, the latest inflation figures have projected that commuters will have to pay as much as 13% extra on an average as ticket charges.
Railway perks for employees
The ATOC has said that around 10,000 former and current staff, and 20,000 dependents including spouses and children have free rail passes that either entitles them for unlimited free travel or offers rides at discounted rates. These railway perks also extend to approximately 82,000 retired employees. Summing up, it can be said that millions of free railway journeys are being made every year. Following the price hikes that happened in the month of August, other commuters are additionally paying around £500 for season tickets. This has also prompted passengers to insist the Government on reviewing the railway benefits that are currently being offered.
What does the future hold?
In May, Phil Hammond, the Transport Secretary, announced that the Government will review the rail charges and also promised that the price hike will be reset soon. Ordinary travelers believe that if the rail charges are reviewed on a fair basis and if the Government balances the heavy discounts and prices the right way, they will have to pay a comparatively lesser amount despite the inflation.
