Network carries 110,000 passengers every weekday and says its fares are among the lowest in the country despite the latest rises. Tony McDonough reports

Merseyrail says it fares will increase by an average of 2.86% from January 2020 but the train operator says its prices are still among the cheapest in the country.

And it says it will protect its popular Family Ticket by freezing its price at £11 for the fourth consecutive year – ensuring families can enjoy affordable days out across the Liverpool city region.

Return tickets for journeys within the Merseyrail network will rise by an average of 2.8% and  Railpass will also rise by 2.8% for 2020. Suzanne Grant, commercial director at Merseyrail, said: “We are proud to offer the most affordable and punctual rail service in the country.

“While there is a rise in ticket prices, 98% of fares are reinvested back into the railway, which allows us to improve the network and continue to provide our passengers with a reliable, high quality service.”

In spring 2019 National Rail Passenger Survey, Merseyrail was voted as one of the most reliable networks offering some of the best value for money tickets in the country. It has also been hailed as the most punctual rail operator in the country for the year-to-date of 2019.

In 2020, Merseyrail, which carries 110,000 passengers even weekday, is scheduled to begin introducing its new £460m, 52-strong train fleet which will offer more capacity and better access for disabled people. The new trains are currently undergoing testing.