Press release
Rail price hikes are a national scandal
15 August 2011
Commenting on Government plans to increase rail fares by around 30 per cent by May 2015, Friends of the Earth's transport campaigner Richard Dyer said:
"It's a national scandal that train fares are to increase above inflation - passengers in the UK already pay some of the highest ticket prices in Europe.
"Price hikes send out the wrong message to commuters seeking a greener alternative to driving - the Government should encourage people to travel by train by capping rail fare rises and upgrading the rail network to make services more reliable."
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. The Campaign for Better Transport's Fair Fares Now campaign is calling for affordable ticket prices, reliable services that aren't overcrowded, and straightforward tickets that make train travel simple.
2. Friends of the Earth says that to cut rail fares for passengers, the Government should tax fuel on domestic flights and use that money to subsidise rail, and find ways to make the railway industry run more efficiently.
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Aug 2011
