Davey attacks fare increase

26.3.02

Edward Davey, Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton, has attacked the latest rail company plans to increase fares for local residents.

From June 2nd there will be a minimum fare of £10 using the Rail Network Travelcard.

"The Network Card is used by thousands of local residents in the South East, and is an excellent way of encouraging off-peak rail travel and providing a discount to passengers," explained Mr.Davey.

"This ill-thought out change affects two groups of people," he said. "Those people who are able to commute off-peak and so help ease the burden on our railways will be forced into huge fare increases. Those people who currently make short journeys by train will be tempted to return to travelling by car or just staying at home - and the rail companies will lose their revenue completely."

Mr.Davey is one of 36 South East MPs who signed the Early Day Motion EDM 1021, urging the train operating companies to reconsider the proposal. In a meeting yesterday the companies confirmed their intention to force through the change despite this widespread opposition.

"This is just another fare increase for passengers who are often already putting up with dismal services," said Mr.Davey. "And it specifically hits the passengers we should be continuing to encourage with discounts - those who can and do travel off-peak."

"Now we need the Strategic Rail Authority to look at the whole issue of discount cards - we need a straightforward system which rewards and encourages off-peak travellers."