London MPs back campaign for cut in rail fares

Eight London MPs have stood up for train passengers by recognising their number one concern—high fares. They were among the 59 MPs who are calling for a rethink of rail fares to make it easier to take the train instead of driving or flying

By Mike Brooke

EIGHT London MPs have stood up for train passengers by recognising their number one concern—high fares.

They were among the 59 MPs who are calling for a rethink of rail fares to make it easier to take the train instead of driving or flying.

But only two MPs were from Inner London, Frank Dobson (Holborn & St Pancras) and Bridget Prentice (Lewisham East).

The other six London MPs were from the outer suburbs, John Austin (Erith & Thamesmead), John Horam (Orpington), Paul Burstow (Sutton & Cheam), Tom Brake (Carshalton & Wallington), Susan Kramer (Richmond Park) and Alan Keen (Feltham & Heston).

“We’re pleased these London MPs have joined a growing number who are standing up for passengers,” said public transport campaigner Cat Hobbs. “They’ve seen that fares cannot keep rising above inflation.

“Politicians are realising that the green travel’ option should be the easy option.”

The 59 MPs have endorsed the Campaign for Better Transport’s call for a review of rail fares.

The campaign, a charitable trust based at Shoreditch in East London, wants the Government to cut fares to make the train the easy option’ to encourage more commuters out of cars.