Rail fares put UK at a competitive disadvantage
20 December 2011
Responding to the announcement by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) today, Campaign for Better Transport’s public transport campaigner Sophie Allain said:
“Another New Year approaches and yet another round of eye-watering train fare hikes loom. Public opinion and political pressure have forced the Government to ease off their original policy a little, and the operators have worked fast to update their systems with the last-minute changes.
“However, we still have the highest fares in Europe, and they will be around 24 per cent higher by the next election. With some of the most expensive train fares in the world we are at a competitive disadvantage at a time when the need for economic activity and growth is urgent. The Government is already on track to meet its own target to reduce taxpayer spending on rail, making these fare rises unnecessary as well as counterproductive.”
The charity is working with other organisations towards a day of commuter-lead action, involving a ‘text, tweet and call’ protest and a stunt at a mainline London station on the 3rd January, the first working day back following the fare rises.
Notes to Editors
1. Campaign for Better Transport launched the Fair Fares Now campaign in January 2011 to call for cheaper, simpler, fairer rail ticketing. Visit the website for more information www.fairfaresnow.org.uk
2. Campaign for Better Transport is the UK’s leading authority on sustainable transport. We champion transport solutions that improve people’s lives and reduce environmental damage. Our campaigns push innovative, practical policies at local and national levels. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).
