A UK railway company has been reported to the Office of Fair Trading after announcing a 30% rise in off-peak fares. The decision by Arriva Trains to scrap its "supersaver" tickets has enraged consumer groups and the second largest rail union, the Transport Salaried Staffs Association.
It has called on the OFT to step in, rather than the rail regulator, on the grounds that Arriva is abusing its monopoly position in Wales.
Arriva is the second company to announce huge increases in the price of fares not controlled by the Government.
Earlier this year First Great Western announced plans to increase the cost of cheap day returns by 20%.
Consumer groups are bracing themselves for further price rises at the weekend. This weekend is, along with September, one of two "windows" available to train operators apart from the January fare round.
The consumer group Passenger Focus said previous rises were imposed with minimal notice. TSSA believes that other companies are keen to follow the example set by South West Trains.
Gerry Doherty, the union's general secretary, said: "The rail companies are determined to squeeze passengers until the pips squeak."
A spokesman for Arriva said last night: "For longer journeys people tend to book in advance, which is why we have introduced cheap options for north to south travel."
A spokesman for the Office of Fair Trading said it would consider the complaint.
