Lib Dems call for rail fare freeze as Lichfield’s residents face price hike next year of up to £128
The Liberal Democrats have called for rail fares to be frozen for the next 5 years after this week's (w/c 14th Aug) figures show that Retail Prices Index (RPI) inflation in July reached 9%. This is the figure normally used to increase rail fares from next March.
It comes after ministers have refused to say how much rail tickets will rise by next year. The price of an annual season ticket from Lichfield City to New Street could go up by £128.50 according to Lib Dem analysis.
The rise comes despite disrupted services over the past year due to industrial action and the Government’s plans to close ticket offices at stations around the country.
The party is also calling for a rethink over planned ticket office closures and for the Government to finally resolve the strike action disrupting services.
Phil Bennion, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Mease Valley in Lichfield District said:
“Liberal Democrats are fighting for a fair deal for the areas commuters and families who will be left forking out even more for train journeys in the middle of a cost of living crisis.
“Ministers cannot keep turning a blind eye to these problems, especially given people are paying more for less on our rail network with more delays, cancellations and their failure to deal with the strikes.
“If this Government had even a shred of decency they would freeze rail fares immediately to help families struggling here, under the cost of living crisis the Conservatives created.
“We should be making clean forms of transport cheaper, yet this Conservative Government is determined to make rail more expensive than ever before.”
