Medway commuters pay rail fare hike
Medway’s
rail commuters are paying one of the highest price rises in
the country for season tickets from today (Wednesday).
An annual pass from Medway to London has gone up by 4.2% meaning
Southeastern passengers travelling from Gillingham to London will
now have to pay £3,672 for a season ticket.
The move has received criticism from commuters and campaign
groups who claim the increase will make life more difficult for
Medway residents.
Steve Wilkins, from the campaign group Medway Against the Cuts,
organised a protest outside Chatham station following the
announcement in August.
He said: “I think it is appalling. The increases will make life
more difficult for commuters in Medway.”
Over the last decade rail fares have increased by 50% according
to the campaign group Railfuture.
King’s Ferry Coaches, which runs services to London from the
county, claims rising rail fares and overcrowded trains have led to
a record increase in the number of people community by coach this
year. It recorded approximately 50,000 extra passenger journeys
compared to 2011.
An annual ticket from Medway to London costs £2,595 – more than
£1,000 less than travelling by train.
Danny Elford
from the firm said: “We have an extremely loyal customer base and
given the tough economic climate combined with many people facing
rising rail prices, it’s no surprise it is growing.
"Many people resent having to fork out thousands annually for a
train, only to find there are no seats available.”
31/12/12
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