Liberal Democrats make inflation bursting promise for a fair deal on train fares
March 30, 2010 12:00 AM
Liberal Democrats are promising to cut rail fares and give refunds if train passengers have to get on a replacement bus. Prospective Parliamentary candidates Paul Harrod (Bristol North) and Peter Tyzack (Filton & Bradley Stoke) met on Filton Abbey Wood platform to celebrate the Liberal Democrats manifesto pledge to cut rail fares in real terms.
Currently, regulated train fares are allowed to increase above inflation (RPI+1) every year. Lib Dem plans would see this change to less than inflation RPI-1, so that fares come down in real terms every year. This would be achieved by offering train companies extensions on their existing franchises in exchange for cutting fares and by making it a pre-condition of any new franchise agreements. The plans also include refunding passengers a third of the price of their ticket if they are forced to take a rail replacement bus at any point of their journey.
FABS Parliamentary Candidate Peter Tyzack said,
"For too long train passengers in the South West have had to put up with a third class deal, what we're offering is an inflation bursting offer. More and more people want to travel by train but they are put off by high fares which mean that travelling by car is cheaper especially if there is more than one of you. The Labour government has deliberately pushed up rail fares above inflation while the relative cost of driving and flying has come down, this shows their commitment to the environment is only skin deep. It is time the Government stopped this train fares escalator that is so unfair on passengers. Bristol and South Gloucestershire commuters need a first class deal which offers reliable and fairly priced rail transport so that we can get to work on time and not be out of pocket by choosing a more environmentally friendly option."
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:
"Passengers crammed onto commuter trains have been forced to pay inflation-busting fares year after year while train companies rake in multi-million pound profits. It's time for passengers to come first. The Liberal Democrats are the only party offering a fair deal for passengers."
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