Fairer fares win for local MP
December 9, 2011 9:42 AM
The Autumn Statement has confirmed that the proposed rise of RPI+3 to rail fares in 2012 has been scrapped. This is a win for local MP, Norman Baker, who has fought tirelessly to secure the scrapping of the proposed rise.
Under the government's plans, and as a result of servicing the legacy of debt left by the previous government, rail fares were planned to increase at a rate of RPI+3 in 2012. Much of the rise was to finance the largest investment in the rail network since Victorian times, including the completion of Thameslink and Crossrail in their entirety, the provision of 2,700 new carriages, the electrification of large parts of the rail network and the redoubling of railway lines, with much more besides.
However, genuine concerns have been raised about the level of the rise, and the Lib Dems, in particular, have consistently argued for rail fares to come down, not least because money has been found to freeze fuel duty for motorists, and rail income has remained buoyant. In today's Statement, the Chancellor has confirmed that the Lib Dems have secured a win on this, led by local MP, Norman Baker, as the planned increase will not take place.
Norman says:"I have long argued that we need to bring down the cost of rail travel and I will continue to do so, but in the present economic conditions, and while undertaking the largest infrastructure investment since Victorian times, limiting the fare rise to RPI+1, in continuation of the previous government's policy, is a good deal which will really benefit my constituents, and I am very pleased we have been able to secure it."
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