Commuters Face Yet More Price Rises (Canterbury & Whitstable Liberal Democrats)

Canterbury & Whitstable Liberal Democrats <info@cantlibdem.org.uk>

Commuters Face Yet More Price Rises

July 1, 2008 5:29 PM

Rail commuters face yet another set of price rises, unless the government changes its policy towards train operating companies, including South Eastern, say the Liberal Democrats. Under the terms of the local rail franchise, commuters could face price increases of up to 8% next January, as a result of increased inflation and the introduction of the new fast service to St Pancras.

"If this increase materialises, this will be another body blow for local people. With petrol prices so high, commuters have no choice but to swallow the increasing cost of rail fares. This news comes at a time when increasing food, housing and energy costs are already putting a real dent in household budgets", said Guy Voizey, parliamentary spokesman for Canterbury and Whitstable Liberal Democrats.

"In normal times, commuters have the option of moving closer to work, or changing jobs, to reduce transport costs. With the housing market as it is, commuters do not have the choice at the moment. Instead, they are forced to meet any increases in travel costs. The government should put measures in place now to ensure commuters do not face another stealth tax, in the form of massive price hikes, in January next year.