Responding to news today that rail commuters face a 6.2 per cent hike in average fares in the New Year, Friends of the Earth’s Head of Campaigns Andrew Pendleton said:

“Rocketing rail fares will be an enormous blow to cash-strapped commuters and will simply make it harder for many people to get to work and encourage more vehicles onto our over-crowded roads.

“Earlier this year the Government froze fuel duty for motorists – similar support should be given to rail-users by capping fare rises below inflation.

“Public transport played a huge part in making London 2012 such a tremendous success – we now need an Olympian effort to give people across the country an affordable alternative to the car.”

ENDS