Protests over rail fare rises

VIDEO: Passenger groups joined rail unions today in a widespread protest over the soaring cost of travel. Fares are rising nearly three times faster than wages, with many commuters paying up to 50 per cent of their income to get to work. Fred and Sangeeta link to a report from John Ryall.

Rail unions staged protests at stations across the region this morning urging commuters to complain about fare increases of up to six per cent in January. Campaigners say a succession of price hikes means some commuters are paying more than a third of their wages to travel to work.

Rail operators say the increases are necessary to improve the country's infrastructure.