Watford’s commuters are facing the steepest fare hikes in five years as ticket prices look set to increase by nearly 4 per cent in January.

Labour Party campaigners stood outside Watford Junction station at 7am on Tuesday to support members of the RMT union, who were handing out leaflets to commuters facing yet another rise in rail fares. 

Watford Observer:

The increase will affect season tickets, anytime walk-on fares and some off-peak fares too.

The Government allows rail firms in England to increase ticket prices by the Retail Price Index (RPI) level of inflation – which has risen considerably since the vote to leave the European Union last year.

Cllr Jagtar Singh Dhindsa, chairman of Watford Borough Council, called for the renationalisation of the railways, adding: “This is a slap in the face for passengers. Many of the passengers took our leaflets and welcomed our message.

“We need to cut fares, bring the railways back into public ownership, and invest in them.”

Deputy mayor Peter Taylor, who commutes from Watford to work in Central London, said: “Over the past year, Watford commuters have had to put up with strikes, cancellations, delays and overcrowding – so the news that fares are set to soar above wage increases is another kick in the teeth for hard pressed passengers.

“Rising inflation since the EU referendum and stagnant wages continue to hit us all in the pocket, and the Government seem content to just keep squeezing more and more out of commuters who have little option but to take the train at peak hours.

“We need to see evidence that this money will be invested in improving infrastructure rather than just lining the pockets of train companies.”

Omar Ismail, secretary of Watford Labour Party, said: “Mick Cash, the general secretary of the RMT, was present and was delighted with the support. The leaflets were very well received by the travelling public."