Lib Dems condemn inflation-busting rail fares increase

10.18.12pm GMT Wed 3rd Dec 2008

The Liberal Democrats have demanded a freeze on rail fares and called for the planned rail fares increases for January to be abandoned. This follows the train operators' announcement of a 6% increase in the cost of regulated fares from January 2009.

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to demand a one year freeze of these fares to help struggling families during the economic crisis. Lewes MP Norman Baker (Lib Dem Shadow Secretary of State for Transport) was in Chelmsford last week and called for a cut in the budget for major road widening schemes to fund the cost to the train operators. Mr Baker commented:

"The cost of rail fares has risen above inflation by 6% since this Government came to power. The Government has repeatedly frozen fuel duty for motorists in the light of external circumstances, despite the fact that under Labour the cost of motoring has actually fallen in real terms by 10%. It's about time ministers showed the same consideration to train passengers as they have shown to motorists."

Peter Wilcock, Parliamentary Candidate for Saffron Walden, commented: "Commuters who rely on trains for their livelihoods are facing huge fare increases at a time when they are also struggling to cope with rising food and heating bills. Freezing their fares would give a huge boost to many hard-pressed families here and commute into London from Great Chesterford, Audley, End, Newport, Elsenham and Stansted.

He concluded " 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 Saffron Walden and could lead to more congestion and pollution as people abandon public transport for their car instead."