Train fares were big news yesterday, with the news that most would fall by 0.4% next year.  

The amount train operators are allowed to raise fares is based on July’s retail price index figure, plus 1%.  So with this July’s RPI being -1.4%, train operators will have to decrease fares by at least 0.4%.  Prompt regrets about leaving London from some Lib Dem colleagues.

However, reading the small print, it seems commuters from Lee and Hither Green won’t benefit from this.  That’s because the our train operator, SouthEastern, has been given an exemption by government.  They’re allowed to raise fares by 3% above inflation – meaning fares could go up by up to 1.6%.  The Department for Transpoirt says that South Eastern has been allowed to do this to fund extra investment in its franchise.  Let’s hope commuters from Hither Green and Lee see some of this investment.  As Pete’s shown, it doesn’t look like those from Catford will.

Mind you, it could be worse.