Train passengers unhappy with overcrowded and delayed services could face having to pay more for some journeys, with regulated fares set for a 1.9% increase.
The rise, which is linked to July’s Retail Price Index – a measure of inflation – will take effect from January 2017, and comes after a 1.1% increase in January of this year.
Regulated rail fares include season tickets on most commuter journeys, selected off-peak return tickets, and ‘anytime’ tickets around major cities.
Islwyn MP, Chris Evans, said: “People in my constituency should be encouraged to use public transport to get to work, doing their bit to reduce road pollution and congestion.
“I know that vast numbers of my constituents catch crowded trains every day from Risca, Crosskeys and Newbridge train stations to get to work in Cardiff and beyond.”
Figures produced by the Office for Rail and Road show that over 179,000 rail journeys were started from stations in the Islwyn constituency, including 55,000 by season ticket holders, between 2014 and 2015.
Mr Evans added: “The new rail fare increase will hit their pockets yet again and, in effect, forces them to pay over the odds just to do the right thing and go to work using public transport. I believe this is wrong and the government must act now to bring rail fares down, not up.”
According to data provided by the Department of Transport, 15% of passengers onboard the 96 Arriva Trains Wales services arriving in Cardiff between 7am and 10am last year were forced to stand.
Commuter Carl Jones was travelling from Caerphilly to Cardiff in July on one-such service which was so overcrowded he was forced to stand in the toilet.
Carl said: “Another rise in fares is a kick in the teeth for commuters, the service seems to be getting worse – not any better.
“Having to stand in a smelly toilet because of a overcrowded train is not the best start to the day. I dread to think of the outcome if there is an accident during rush hour with the trains so packed.”
2nd time this week I've had to stand in the toilet on an extremely over crowded @ArrivaTW service @WalesOnline pic.twitter.com/z6Y3yn5j6e
— Carl Jones Photo (@carljones45) July 28, 2016
Colin Mann, leader of the Plaid Cymru group on Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “Given the overcrowding on the Valleys network, I cannot see how any rise in fares can be justified.
“I know from my own experience of using one of the first trains of the day from Llanbradach how extremely overcrowded it is with standing room only from Caerphilly.
“By the time the train calls at the Cardiff stations it reminds me of the London Underground in the rush hour.
“The standard of rolling stock serving the Rhymney Valley is unacceptable in the 21st Century and is in urgent need of upgrading or preferably replacing.
“More than £5 million of public money was spent on opening Energlyn and Churchill Park station and it is ridiculous that only half the trains possible stop at this station. Travellers in the Rhymney Valley are getting a second rate rail service.”
However Caerphilly AM, Hefin David, referenced the Welsh Government’s commitment to restricting price increases to the rate of inflation, adding: “Any increase unfortunately has its effect on constituents who have cause to travel by train. But, unlike a lot of routes in England, for the past three years, the Welsh Labour Government have ensured that regulated rail fares on the Wales and Border Franchise cannot be increased above inflation.
“I understand the Welsh Government will determine the position for 2017 shortly.”
Research by the Trade Union Congress suggests that rail fare prices have increased at double the rate of wages since 2010.
According to the Office of National Statistics, rail fares have seen increases of around 24% since January 2010, where average weekly wages have risen by about 12% over the same timescale.
Lianna Etkind, of the Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Rail passengers are paying record amounts for their tickets and it’s not acceptable that so many regularly have to stand. They have every right to be outraged at the levels of overcrowding – levels which have persisted on some routes for many years.
“In the next few years, revenue from tickets will exceed the cost of running the railways. The millions who rely on the trains want a commitment from the government that there will be long term investment in rail capacity. This mustn’t just mean big ticket projects like HS2 and Crossrail 2, but better services right across the country.
“We also need to reduce the pressure on rush hour services, which are often the busiest. The government must honour its promise to introduce season ticket discounts for part-time workers to help tackle overcrowding, and make rail travel more affordable.”