Lib Dems say rail fares should be frozen (Wantage and Didcot Liberal Democrats)

Wantage and Didcot Liberal Democrats <info@wantagelibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems say rail fares should be frozen

February 21, 2009 10:26 AM

A non-nuclear future would mean no need to transport waste on trains

Lib Dems say the transport system should empower individuals to make sustainable choices about the way they live

Commenting on this week's Passenger Focus report which attacks the Government's policy of shifting more of the cost of the railways on to passengers, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Norman Baker MP, said: "This report shows British passengers are the most ripped off in Europe. Every year, ministers are forcing above-inflation price hikes on passengers who are being forced to stand on increasingly overcrowded trains. The Government should stop the tax train in its tracks now by adopting Liberal Democrat plans for an immediate fare freeze, paid for by taking money from the road widening budget."

Lib Dem policy advocates that the transport system should empower individuals to make sustainable choices about the way they live, while offering modern, affordable, accessible and reliable means of travelling around.

Said Wantage and Didcot spokesman Alan Armitage: "Building more roads and runways will not tackle congestion. We should invest in a proper public transport system, taxing lorries and domestic flights to invest in high speed rail. By cutting petrol duty and Vehicle Excise Duty and introducing a revenue-neutral motorway and trunk road pricing we can encourage people who can use public transport to switch out of their cars - and still be fair to those in rural areas who can't."

By 2015 the UK's rail network will have reached capacity. The Lib Dems would provide substantial new investment, and update the franchise system to demand more investment from train companies, to create the 21st century rail network our children and grandchildren need.

The failed deregulation of the bus industry should be reversed. The Lib Dems would give local authorities much more control over the pricing and planning of services to create a viable local transport system.