Anger at South West Trains 7.2% increase in ticket prices

12.00.00am GMT Fri 21st Nov 2008

Nick Radford, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Salisbury has called for South West Trains to abandon its plans to impose a 6% rise 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 7.2%.

The announcement of the fares hike on 21st November was met with an angry response by Nick Radford:

"Train passengers living in Salisbury are being hit for six by South West Trains," said Nick.

"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.

"How on earth can we expect to encourage more of us to take public transport if more and more of us can't afford it?

"These rises could make the recession worse in Salisbury could lead to more congestion and pollution as people abandon public transport for their car instead.

"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 by South West Trains. 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 2nd January 2009.