Post by Madhatter on Jan 2, 2007 21:14:34 GMT
Prices are yet again rising for public transport in the name of the investment in the system.
I've been hearing this for as long as I can remember and have so far seen no improvements, only more overcrowding than ever.
It's about time this country sorted the problem out, we're offered better transport but then it never happens, like the bendy bus project to stratford.
LONDON (Reuters) - The cost of travelling on the train network became more expensive on Tuesday after above-inflation fare rises came into force.
Regulated fares, which include season tickets and saver tickets, have risen by an average of 4.3 percent, according to the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC).
Unregulated fares, such as cheap day returns
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and long distance open tickets, will increase by an average of 4.7 percent.
The largest average price rises, 7.3 percent, come on the Gatwick Express and Heathrow Express trains linking London to its two main airports.
Passengers using the Virgin West Coast trains will see fares go up by an average of 6.6 percent, meaning a standard open return ticket from London to Glasgow will now cost 240 pounds.
The smallest average increases, at 3.2 percent, will be on Merseyrail trains.
Train companies said the increases were needed to pay for improvements, but passenger groups said people who wanted to travel long distances without being able to book in advance were being unfairly penalised.
OVERCROWDING PROBLEM
The Conservatives accused the government of using the fare system to tackle a growing problem of overcrowding on many of the busiest routes.
Regulated fares, which account for 40 percent of tickets sold, are overseen by the Department of Transport and are limited to one percent above the rate of inflation.
Unregulated fares are set by the train companies.
"These fare increases are being dictated by ministers, who now specify in minute detail what rail companies can or can't do," said shadow Transport Secretary Chris Grayling.
"My own view is that they are deliberately putting train companies under pressure to push up fares because it's the only way they can think of to deal with the increasing problem of overcrowding on our trains."
The Department of Transport said a record number of people were using trains and passengers were getting a better service.
"We don't want to see people driven away from the railways," a spokesman said.
"We're taking action looking at the overcrowding issue but it's the commercial decision of operators on how to set their fares."
He said the government was working on a five-year strategy for the rail network which would be produced in the summer.
Meanwhile increases to fares for London's underground and bus services mean the city has the most expensive transport system of any world capital, according to the Liberal Democrats.
A single journey on the "Tube" paid in cash will now cost 4 pounds in its central London zone although the fare will remain at 1.50 pounds for those using Oyster smartcards.
London mayor Ken Livingstone said the increases were needed to fund investment in public transport and that passengers would make big savings if they used Oyster cards.
I've been hearing this for as long as I can remember and have so far seen no improvements, only more overcrowding than ever.
It's about time this country sorted the problem out, we're offered better transport but then it never happens, like the bendy bus project to stratford.
LONDON (Reuters) - The cost of travelling on the train network became more expensive on Tuesday after above-inflation fare rises came into force.
Regulated fares, which include season tickets and saver tickets, have risen by an average of 4.3 percent, according to the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC).
Unregulated fares, such as cheap day returns
Advertisement
and long distance open tickets, will increase by an average of 4.7 percent.
The largest average price rises, 7.3 percent, come on the Gatwick Express and Heathrow Express trains linking London to its two main airports.
Passengers using the Virgin West Coast trains will see fares go up by an average of 6.6 percent, meaning a standard open return ticket from London to Glasgow will now cost 240 pounds.
The smallest average increases, at 3.2 percent, will be on Merseyrail trains.
Train companies said the increases were needed to pay for improvements, but passenger groups said people who wanted to travel long distances without being able to book in advance were being unfairly penalised.
OVERCROWDING PROBLEM
The Conservatives accused the government of using the fare system to tackle a growing problem of overcrowding on many of the busiest routes.
Regulated fares, which account for 40 percent of tickets sold, are overseen by the Department of Transport and are limited to one percent above the rate of inflation.
Unregulated fares are set by the train companies.
"These fare increases are being dictated by ministers, who now specify in minute detail what rail companies can or can't do," said shadow Transport Secretary Chris Grayling.
"My own view is that they are deliberately putting train companies under pressure to push up fares because it's the only way they can think of to deal with the increasing problem of overcrowding on our trains."
The Department of Transport said a record number of people were using trains and passengers were getting a better service.
"We don't want to see people driven away from the railways," a spokesman said.
"We're taking action looking at the overcrowding issue but it's the commercial decision of operators on how to set their fares."
He said the government was working on a five-year strategy for the rail network which would be produced in the summer.
Meanwhile increases to fares for London's underground and bus services mean the city has the most expensive transport system of any world capital, according to the Liberal Democrats.
A single journey on the "Tube" paid in cash will now cost 4 pounds in its central London zone although the fare will remain at 1.50 pounds for those using Oyster smartcards.
London mayor Ken Livingstone said the increases were needed to fund investment in public transport and that passengers would make big savings if they used Oyster cards.
