East Surrey MP, Peter Ainsworth, has condemned the recent announcements by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) that rail fares will rise from Wednesday 2nd January 2008.
Season Tickets will rise by nearly 5 per cent on the East Grinstead Line and there will be similar increases for other fares.
Commenting on the increases, Mr Ainsworth said:
“These fare increases make nonsense of Government policies to lower the number of car journeys and get people to switch to public transport.”
“Will commuters see a better service as a result of these fare increases? I doubt is.”
“Do they have any choice other than to pay and put up with it? No.”
“Given that the government regulates commuter rail prices, this can be seen as another stealth taxed; more money out of peoples pockets with nothing to show for it. The train operating companies have the public over a barrel.”
ENDS
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