This is of course the problem with having built up a fairly low-paying economy. Both political parties are equally responsible for this. With budgets now squeezed unsustainably, it’s a case of what’s easier to cut. As you say, start cutting in-work benefits and it will affect lifestyles people have become accustomed to which are beyond their self-sustaining means. Same with the way it’s now regarded as “bad” to raise interest rates. The railway is simply way down the queue compared to all this. Add in that the current crop of senior Conservative politicians seem to despise and look down upon the population, and here we are.
Ideally the Government should be using railway fares to bring down inflation while generating economic activity.