Train fares have only risen by 10% after a long period of steady prices since 2015, the deputy for passenger affairs at the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways said in reaction to the recent complaints on high costs.
According to Mirhassan Mousavi, except for a handful of VIP trains, which provide special services for passengers, all train tickets cost between 800,000 to 1,100,000 rials ($5.9 to $8), ISCA news reported.
Although the rail operating centers suggested higher prices for tickets considering the recent galloping inflation, "the increase applied to the prices in mid-June did not exceed 10%," the official added, emphasizing that the fares are under control.
Mousavi also said there are a limited number of five-star trains representing only 2% of services, which have always charged the passengers higher fares than the ordinary services. "Those complaining about high prices are actually referring to these trains."
As the official stated, the exact time for the next round of increase in prices is not known and experts are constantly monitoring the market.
Only when the inflations proves to dramatically affect the expenses of rail operators will experts decide on further price hikes, he noted.
Also underlining the special situation in the low season in the second half of the year, Mousavi said the decline in the number of passengers will not cause the prices to fall; "however, the operating centers are free to offer discounts on the fares."
