Lib Dems: 2.7% rail fare rise is a “kick in the teeth” for commuters in central and east Suffolk

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2.7% rail fare rise is a "kick in the teeth" for commuters in central and east Suffolk say Lib Dems .

The Liberal Democrats have said the news that rail fares will rise by an average of 2.7% in 2020 is a "kick in the teeth" for rail passengers in Suffolk. The increase will leave commuters travelling from Ipswich to London Liverpool Street paying an estimated £182.41 more for their annual season ticket to London from next January.

Under Liberal Democrat plans, the 2.7% increase in 2020 would be cancelled and commuter rail fares would be frozen for the next five years. This would save season ticket holders from Ipswich Station to London (Liverpool Street) an estimated £2963*based upon predicted RPI increases over the next five years .

The Liberal Democrats would also overhaul ticketing by simplifying the system, creating season tickets for part-time commuters and introducing early-bird fares. The party would ensure that all rail franchises apply delay repay compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more.

Liberal Democrat candidate for Central Suffolk & North Ipswich James Sandbach commented:

"This fare hike is a kick in the teeth for rail commuters in central and east Suffolk who are already paying over the odds for an often shoddy service. People waking up this week to travel to work on overcrowded, delayed or cancelled trains will be angered to find out they will be shelling out even more on travel next year.

"For too long the Conservatives have neglected our rail infrastructure and allowed commuters to be treated like cash cows.

Jules Ewart Liberal Democrat Candidate for Suffolk Coastal added, "For many regular commuters in Suffolk Coastal there is little choice but to pay these year on year increases and experience overcrowded carriages and regular delays in getting to work and back home".

"Liberal Democrats will build a brighter future by freezing rail fares, saving local commuters hundreds/thousands pounds over the next five years. We will also make sure our creaking rail network receives the investment it needs, to improve capacity, increase the number of trains running in Suffolk at peak times and reduce overcrowding."

ENDS

Note:
• Savings are based on predicted RPI increases through to 2024/5. The price of an annual season ticket from Ipswich to London LPS (£ 6,756) is taken from National Rail here: https://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/seasonticket/search

Published by Gary Kitching on behalf of James Sandbach (Liberal Democrats) all at Harvest Barn, Church Farm, Clay Hills, Framlingham, Suffolk, IP13 9J

Published by Keith Dickerson on behalf of Jules Ewart (Liberal Democrats) both at The Cottages,Bridge Street, Kelsale, Saxmundham IP17 2PB