Ref: 2/06
Date: 5 January 2006
Release: Immediate

Mixed blessing for rail passengers

The Rail Passengers Council (RPC), the national body representing rail passengers, today comments on c2c's steep increase in key off-peak rail fares.

Guy Dangerfield, RPC Passenger Link Manager, said: "It is disappointing that off-peak prices have risen by 10%, three times the rate of inflation - but it was very nearly much worse. Fortunately c2c listened to strong representations from the RPC and London TravelWatch and has backed down from its original plan to hike the main off peak fares by over 25%. We welcome the decision to reduce ticket prices at weekends and bank holidays".

The RPC understands and supports c2c's desire to attract new passengers by cutting prices at other times of the
week, but opposed the company's original plan to increase prices by over 25% between 1000 and 1600 Mondays to Fridays.

The price of Season Tickets and fully-flexible Day Returns to Fenchurch Street will rise by between 1.9% and 2.4
%, less than the rate of inflation. The price of an all zones Travelcard season ticket will rise by between 5.1% and 7.5%, around twice the rate of inflation.

-ends-

GUY DANGERFIELD
Passenger Link Manager
Rail Passengers Council

Updated 24/01/2006