Rail fares hiked by 3.4%

New Year.  New rail fare increases.  It’s become an unwelcome part of the festive season – many rail passengers are being hit with the highest ticket price rise in five years. The Transport Secretary Chris Grayling – who’s in Qatar – admitted the increase was higher than he would wish. While many commuters and the rail union claim services aren’t improving despite the higher costs.  But rail companies insist the extra revenues will boost investment in the network.