Rail fares to rise by RPI + 1%, Good value? Options

[Biker1]

FGW rail fares are to rise by approx 6% in the new year.
Is this good value bearing in mind that it is reported that motoring costs have risen by twice that amount in the last 12 months?
Is the extra revenue to go on shareholders dividends or to be re-invested in the infrastructure as we are told?

[Guest_xjay1337_*]

The problem with trains is that they are not a sustainable method of transport. They are inherently flawed (like Susan Boyle) that is, say you want to go to Park Way (I know no-one would choose to go there, it's just hypothetical), and you didn't drive, you'd have to take a train into Newbury and then walk the mile or so to Park Way.
They you have to do your shopping and walk back the mile or so while carrying all of your bags of shopping (and the plastic bags chop your fingers off)

Trains never take you to where you want to go, they take you to the town of the place where you want to go, sometimes not even that! It's like an aeroplane just not as good. Basically it's like flying Ryanair

Unless prices have changed, it used to be about £3.20 for a return to Newbury during peak times. When I did have to train into work when I was 16 (so 4 years ago!!) I remember I'd get a seat probably 1 in 3 days, normally being squashed by an oversize lady sitting next to me - and even then being a person of slightly higher than normal height, found myself physically unable to "sit" in the seat. Forget "lack of legroom" - there wasn't any! I'd have to sit at a 45 degree angle with my legs where another person would be. I had to take the train to my job in Basingstoke last year, so Thatcham - Reading West - train swap - Basingstoke. It was horrible. Both days I had to stand the ENTIRE way and only on one of the two days did I get a seat on a return train. Not only that but I fell over some old biddies bicycle when the train lurched violently on the rails. Most miserable days of the year.

To drive into Newbury and back home outside of rush hour costs me about £1.20 in diesel. I don't need to pay parking as I work in Newbury and park in my work car park. 3 minute walk. In rush hour (so for example driving to work) it probably costs me about £2.50 due to the stop-start nature of my journey. Plus I am guaranteed a seat and don't need to sit next to poor people who smell. Plus I can play my music as loud as I like and have people laugh at my orange winter wheels.

I don't think trains should get tax-payer support as it is a business model. They should get grants, for using new technology such as electric/diesel trainsetc, as Newbury/Reading buses do however they should not be funded or "supported" by the state. If the business model fails there are 2 explanations, either it's managed poorly, in which case a new group will take over the projects or the very core of the business is flawed (because trains are crap) and people don't use them in general.

Trains have their place, for example travelling into London or other towns with good public transport links, Tubes, buses, etc - however going into small to medium sized towns, they are pointless if you have the ability to drive. If they cut down the commuter trains and had more of the longer distance trains at a fair price (as in not £150 to go to Exeter) then they might make a few more pennies.

[On the edge]

...... They are inherently flawed (like Susan Boyle) that is, say you want to go to Park Way (I know no-one would choose to go there, it's just hypothetical),.......

Sorry Xjay - you haven't met my sister! Susan Boyle CD and she travels from Swindon to go to Park Way.... even I think she's odd!