RAIL and bus passengers in the South could see hikes of up to 40 per cent in next four years.
This is because operator subsidies could be slashed in the Government’s spending review, which will be announced tomorrow.
Fares could rocket by ten per cent as soon as January with similar annual increases expected in the coming years, say the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA).
It says Whitehall sources reveal the annual fares cap formula, which would have pegged increases to below six per cent in the new year, will be suspended.
General secretary Gerry Doherty said: “The commuters of the South East who put the coalition into power in May will throw them straight out again in 2015 if they are faced with year-on-year increases of ten per cent.
“We already have the highest rail fares in Europe.”
An Association of Train Operating Companies spokesman said: “The Government is reviewing whether to shift the costs away from the taxpayer and more towards the passenger.
At a time of growing demand, it is essential that targeted investment continues in a way which is affordable both for passengers and taxpayers.”
The expected widening of the M3 and M4 is also in doubt, industry experts say.
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