Cheap rail fares would mainly benefit the rich? That’s muddled thinking | Phil McDuff

It's easy for nonsense to become common sense, such as on the rail rises. Beware the 'fairness error' - equality helps everyone

One of the most depressing things about politics in the UK is realising how easy it is for total nonsense to become common sense and received wisdom.

Take this tweet from YouGov, following the recently announced rise in fares. "There will be calls for train fares to be frozen - the main beneficiaries will be those in wealthier households. 42% of those who made more than 50 train journeys last year are in households earning 40k+. Just 10% are in households on less than 20k". Most of the poor, YouGov sagely intones, take the car, or bus, or walk. Therefore we should not lower the price because that means only rich people will benefit.

Related: UK trains 'are packed to near double capacity'

There will be calls for train fares to be frozen - the main beneficiaries will be those in wealthier households. 42% of those who made more than 50 train journeys last year are in households earning 40k+. Just 10% are in households on less than 20k https://t.co/FjIiaeD86d pic.twitter.com/mRznAzMnRW

Related: Why aren't we outraged by child poverty in Britain and the US? | Mary O'Hara