Campaign launched against rail fare hikes
This article publicises the ‘Fair Fares Now’ crusade from the Campaign for Better Transport.
The CBT believes that the rising cost of rail fares is in danger of putting train travel out of reach for many people. Apparently, the UK’s railway is up to 40% less efficient than its European counterparts and has some of the highest rail fares in the world – some season tickets now cost the equivalent of one-fifth of the average UK salary.
The Fair Fares Now campaign includes a month of action at 40 key commuter stations and an online petition. This campaign fits with the Rail Value for Money study which put forward a wide range of recommendations which, if implemented, could deliver savings between £700 million and £1 billion annually by 2019.
On a serious note, with continuing growth in passenger numbers and freight, actions need to be taken to address problems with the efficiency and cost of the infrastructure. On a lighter note, as a frequent rail passenger and enthusiast, it reminds me of George Bradshaw’s railway timetables, how much I’d like to take a trip on the Northern Belle and celebrate the recently launched direct Lincoln-London train service!