Merseyrail train fares will be more expensive from today

Merseyrail will increase its fares from today which will see prices go up by 3.8%.

The price rise will initially only affect the cost of single and return journeys on the Merseyrail network, with Railpass journeys - covering weekly, monthly and annual tickets - frozen until March before also rising in price by 3.8%

The price of Day Saver tickets are also set to increase by 10p while Family Ticket prices will be frozen.

READ MORE:Soaring fees 'hard to accept' in Merseyside

The Government confirmed in mid-December that train firms would be allowed to increase prices by 3.8% as the country’s railways try to offset the impact of the pandemic.

Months of lockdown since March 2020 saw passenger numbers reach some of the lowest levels nationally in over 100 years.

However there has been a steady increase in prices in more recent years outside of the pandemic.

At the beginning of 2020, rail fare prices were increased by 2.7%.

Since 2010, with the latest 3.8% rise, the average price for train tickets has climbed by an eye watering 48.9% - leaving many passengers having to fork out more for short and long distance journeys.

While some local journeys on the Merseyrail network will be more expensive today, the increased prices for journeys outside of the city will come into effect from March of this year.

From March, as a result of the 3.8% rise in fares, the price an off-peak return from Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston will rise from £94.50 to £98.10, under the new rates.

On the Merseyrail network, a brand new fleet of state of the art trains are hoping to be in operation this year.

Commenting on the latest rise in fare prices, Suzanne Grant, Commercial Director at Merseyrail, said: “Merseyrail will be increasing its fares on 4 January 2022, with the exception of the standard Railpass which will increase in March 2022. Despite the increase we still offer some of the lowest fares in the UK.

“Return tickets, Railpass and the Merseyrail Only Railpass will increase by RPI of 3.8%, the Day Saver will increase by 10p and the Family Ticket price will be frozen – offering great value, unlimited off peak travel for a family of up to 5 for just £13.”