Increasing rail fares next January would be counter-productive in attempts to attract passengers back to the railway, according to the Campaign for Better Transport.Instead, the organisation believes Government should prioritise the introduction of flexible season tickets.July's Retail Price Index (RPI), which is used to set the fares rise next January, was published on August 19. It was revealed to be 1.6%, which was higher than expected and boosted by an increase to petrol and diesel prices."Millions of people around the country are starting to plan their return to work and a rail fare rise in January is the last thing they need," said CBT Chief Executive Darren Shirley. "Raising rail fares when people are already staying away from the railway will further damage the economy and the environment at a time when we need to be investing in a green, sustainable transport-led recovery."The Government should hold fares at the current level and prioritise the introduction of flexible season tickets for the millions of people who will be working and commuting part-time in January."
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