7 January 2014
St Helens Green Party is calling for the railways to be brought back into public hands as rail fare rises for 2014 come into effect.
Yesterday’s annual fare increase means that train fares are now rising three times faster than wages, at an average of 2.8%.
In Parliament, the Green Party’s MP, Caroline Lucas, is leading on this issue by garnering support from MPs to sign a parliamentary motion calling for the re-nationalisation of UK railways. It is listed for a second reading on February 28.
St Helens Green Party’s Francis Williams says:
“Commuters returning to work yesterday have been hit hard at a time when wages remain stagnant. The Green Party believes that trains shouldn’t be run for private profit and so we’re campaigning for re-nationalisation of the railways. Taking back expired franchises, or franchises from companies failing to meet set conditions could save the government over £1 billion annually. This money should be reinvested in services, and used to reduce fares.”
Francis continues: “UK rail travellers are already paying some of the highest fares in Europe and for that that they have to endure overcrowded trains and unreliable services. I’m proud that our Green MP is raising this issue in parliament and campaigning for an end to a system which sees travellers losing out.”
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