Anger at Northern Rail, TransPennine and Virgin Rail 's inflation busting fares increases.
November 22, 2008 7:17 AM
Inflation busting fare increase
Fylde Liberal Democrats have demanded that all three train companies serving the area abandon their plans to impose a 6% increase in the price of regulated fares, season tickets and saver tickets. The increase in ticket prices not regulated by the government is to be an even steeper at 7%.
The announcement of the inflation-busting fares hike on 21st November was met with an angry response from Cllr. Tony Ford.
"Train passengers living in Fylde are being hit for six by all three train companies serving our area," said Cllr. Tony Ford. "At a time when people are struggling with the recession, this train company is adding to people's difficulties and is stinging passengers for more cash.
"These rises could make the recession worse in Fylde and could lead to more congestion and pollution as people abandon public transport for their car instead, especially as the price of petrol is likely to fall in the coming months.
"I am calling on the government to step in and use the powers they have over regulated fares to impose a freeze on ticket prices for a year. This could be paid for from within the Government's road-widening budget.
"Just as the Government stepped in to freeze fuel duty for motorists because of the recession, they should change their mind and stop these price increases going ahead.
"Rail passengers will rightly feel that they are being taken for a ride by Northern Rail, Trans Pennine and Virgin Trains. They have every right to feel angry with this price hike and with the Government for letting it happen. This increase is even more irritating when one considers that local people travelling on the Fylde Coast line only have one train an hour and no service at all on Sundays."
The Government has agreed that the ticket price increases can come into effect on 2nd January 2009.
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats