2 January 2013 18:00 to 20:00
Local campaigners highlight fare increases
In the dark early hours following New Year, commuters, reeling
from the shock of back to work fare increases, were met by
Sustainable Crediton campaigners at St David's and Central
Stations.
Laura Conyngham, John Skrine and Charles Mossman leafleted, with
others from Bradninch Climate Action and Exeter Friends of the
Earth, as part of a new alliance of groups active at a number of
railway stations across the country.
The alliance - made up of Together for Transport, TSSA Union,
SHIFT, Alliance for Jobs & Climate, ACT!, Climate Rush, and
Bring Back British Rail - has a three point demand that would see
rail fares reduced to an affordable level, public ownership of the
railways and cuts to carbon emissions through more rail travel.
"This is the tenth consecutive year, "said Councillor Conyngham,
"where the price of train travel has been jacked up above the level
of inflation. Almost all the commuters that we approached accepted
a leaflet. Many reached out for one, glad to learn that they can
make their views known. Several were even enthusiastic: "Yes,
disgusting!" "
The campaign asks rail passengers to take action by tweeting
their complaints about fare rises to @transportgovuk using hashtags
#farefail #railfail.
They are also are being asked to email their MP to complain by
visiting www.farefail.org
"Train travel to work, to school, to local places and further away
places should not be eco-warriors' extravagance but normal
responsible citizenship. We need people to leave their car at home
and choose the train. Government rail subsidies must not be eroded
away any further."
Commenting on the campaign, Rob Jenks from Together for
Transport said:
"Once again, the start of the New Year brings into reality the
annual misery of hiked rail fares as so many people begin the
reluctant return to work."
"At a time of a shaky economy and low or non-existent pay rises,
many people are struggling to meet the demands of increased living
costs. The last thing rail passengers want is to be stung by fare
increases that only serve to enhance private sector profits and
allow the government to cut rail subsidy. "
Leafletting took place at Exeter St Davids, Exeter Central,
Whimple, Tiverton Parkway, Brighton, Bristol, Derby, St
Pancras/Kings Cross, Waterloo, Newcastle, Sheffield, Coventry,
Norwich, York, Oxenholme, Matlock, Middlesbrough and Lichfield.