Anger at inflation busting rail fare increases

1.10.34pm GMT Tue 25th Nov 2008

Mark is calling on Virgin and Northern rail to scrap fare rises

Local Cheadle MP and Liberal Democrat Transport Shadow Minister Mark Hunter has demanded that Virgin and Northern Rail abandons 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 7%.

The announcement of the inflation-busting fares hike on 21st November was met with an angry response by Mr Hunter.

"Train passengers living in the Stockport area are being hit for six by Virgin and Northern Rail," said Mr Hunter. "At a time when people are struggling with the recession, these train companies are adding to people's difficulties and are stinging passengers for more cash.

"I and my Liberal Demcrat colleagues are 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 Virgin and Northern Rail. 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.