Train Fares Campaign

The Luton & Wayfield Team is backing the local Fares' Fair campaign to reduce the amount commuters have to pay to commute into London and beyond.

There is growing concern over the projected increase in rail fares of 10% over the next four years, which would see a 2015 season ticket from Medway to London costing almost £5000. As early as next year, commuters from Medway using the high speed line into London will see a season ticket costing more than 20% of average salaries; even a non high-speed ticket will account for almost 17%.

The Tory-led government has changed the funding formula for regulated rail fares from January 2012, allowing train companies to increase fares by 3% above inflation every year until 2015. As a result, commuters face average increases of 8 per cent a year, with many facing ticket price increases of 13%. By 2015, rail fares will be on average 28.4% higher.

Commenting Cllr Tristan Osborne

"Many residents across the ward commute daily into London and are very concerned about the rise in fares. It is simply unacceptable to ask the commuter to pay more whilst the government is cutting rail subsidy."

"All the Luton & Wayfield Councillors back the campaign to reduce the fares for local residents"