Anger at National Express East Coast's inflation busting fares increase

11.00.00am GMT Mon 24th Nov 2008

Liberal Democrats in York have demanded that National Express East Coast abandons its plans to impose a 6% in the price of regulated fares, season tickets and saver tickets.

The increase in ticket prices not regulated by the government is to be an even steeper 7.4%

The announcement of the inflation-busting fares hike on 21st November was met with an angry response by Madeleine Kirk, Prospective Lib Dem MP for York Outer.

"Train passengers living in York and the surrounding villages are being hit for six by National Express East Coast," said Madeleine. "At a time when people are struggling with the recession, this train company is adding to people's difficulties and is stinging passengers for more cash.

Madeleine Kirk is fighting for better train services for York and its villages

"These rises could make the recession worse in our area and could lead to more congestion and pollution as people abandon public transport for their car instead.

"I am calling on the government to step in and use the power they have over regulated fares to impose a freeze on ticket prices for a year.

"Just as the Government stepped in to freeze fuel duty for motorists because of the recession, they should change their mind and stop these price increases going ahead.

"Rail passengers will rightly feel that they are being taken for a ride. They have every right to feel angry with this price hike, and those of the other rail companies serving York, and with the Government for letting it happen."

The Government has agreed that the ticket price increases can come into effect on 2nd January 2009.