Anger at inflation busting rail fares increase

10.16.03am GMT Fri 28th Nov 2008

Liberal Democrats in Weston-super-Mare have demanded that First Great Western and CrossCountry trains abandon their plans to impose a 6% 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 6.6% for First Great Western and 11% for CrossCountry.

The announcement of the inflation-busting fares hike last week was met with an angry response by Mike Bell, the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Weston-super-Mare.

"Train passengers living in Weston and the surrounding area are being hit for six by First Great Western and CrossCountry," said Mike. "At a time when people are struggling with the recession, the train companies are adding to people's difficulties and are stinging passengers for more cash.

"I am calling on the government to step in and use the power 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. They have every right to feel angry with this price hike and with the Government for letting it happen."

The Government has agreed that the ticket price increases can come into effect on 2 January 2009.