In response to rail fares rising by 4.6% in England and Wales at the start of this month, a user on X, formerly known as Twitter, appeared to out Northern Rail for high fees.
The user shared a screenshot of a two-minute journey from Finsbury Park to Harringay costing £7.20 alongside a series of laughing face emojis.
In response, Northern Rail said: “This isn’t the real fare and we presume you posted this as a joke judging by the laughing emojis. As you can see the real screenshot for the cost of a weekday anytime single ticket is this:”
This isn’t the real fare and we presume you posted this as a joke judging by the laughing emojis. As you can see the real screenshot for the cost of a weekday anytime single ticket is this: pic.twitter.com/neJ6QhUu8B
— Great Northern (@GNRailUK) March 4, 2025
Northern Rail is the second largest train operator in the UK. It provides around 2,500 local and regional services every day and connections to Wales and Scotland.
From Sunday, March 2, rail fares in England and Wales have rose by 4.6% and the price of most railcards has increased by £5.
The government says fares need to rise so it can invest in the rail system, but Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander acknowledged passengers were “frustrated” by delays and cancellations.
The Campaign for Better Transport said people were being “priced off the railways” by fare increases.
In response to Northern Rail’s reply, users flocked to slam the company.
One said: “And you’re proud”.
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Another replied: “It’s a joke you’re charging that even for a single.”
Someone else sarcastically said: “exactly my thoughts. £4.20 for a 2-minute journey is a bargain. they should be thanking you. i’m sorry you are having to deal with this great northern rail. i will not forget your generosity.”
Whilst someone else commented: “No wonder people hate trains and train companies. Overpriced, generally overcrowded and I guarantee it won’t even be on time”.
