News by email Donate

Suggestions

rail-fare-increase-main_article_image.jpg
Andrew Matthews/PA Wire
UK News

Railway chaplain fears for station staff following fare increase announcement

by Eno Adeogun

The average cost of a train ticket in Britain will rise by 3.4 per cent on 2nd January, which will see a 12-month season ticket from Brighton to London increased by nearly £150.

Liam Johnston, a railway chaplain and chief executive of the Railway's Mission told Premier it is wrong for railway staff to be blamed for fare increases.

Speaking during Premier's News Hour, he said: "Everything is out of their control.

"They're just there to ensure that people embark and disembark safely from the trains and yet they're the ones that bear the brunt of it."

Lauren Hurley/PA Wire

The Rail Delivery Group insists only 3 pence in every pound spent by rail travelers ends up as profit.

Johnston said he can understand why people will feel frustrated by it becoming more expensive to travel.

He said: "We do understand that these times where there is less money in people's pockets, there is a lot of financial pressure, which creates uncertainties and anxieties in people's lives."

However, he called for Christians to be praying for railway staff who are simply "just doing their jobs".

Johnston went on to say: "We need to take on a responsibility for praying for all of the people who are front-line - not just on the railways, but whether it's the police or shop workers or anybody.

"We need to pray for these people who have to deal with the frustration that other people face and will take out on them."

Meanwhile, the latest annual increase in Britain's rail fares has been described as "staggering" by Labour and the party said it highlights the need for the network to be brought back into public ownership.

Shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald said: "This latest increase in rail fares is staggering.

"The Tories should follow Labour's example and commit to ending the scandal of train companies being run for profit rather than people."

Listen to Liam Johnston speaking with Premier's Alex Williams:

News you can believe in. Stand with Premier Christian News today.

Your gift today ensures that Premier Christian News can press forward in strength, reaching more people with biblical truth and shaping the future of Christian thought. It’s more than just a donation—it’s an investment in renewed minds and transformed lives. 

Without continued support, the ability to create and distribute resources that strengthen faith and equip the church will be compromised. But with your help, we can grow deeper, stand firmer, and shine brighter in the culture.

Your support today is critical.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate