Mayor Dave: Bedford Rail Users Must be Spared Fare Rise in Face of Reduced, Failing Services
Mayor Dave Hodgson has said it will be a 'scandal' if the predicted 3.5% rail fare increase for next year is imposed on Bedford rail users, in light of the reduced and failing services they are experiencing.
The increase is set to be announced on Wednesday, 15th August, when official inflation figures are released, but Mayor Dave has said that any increase should apply to Bedford rail users due to the ongoing misery they are suffering in return for the high fares they pay.
Commenting on his Facebook page, Mayor Dave said:
"It really will be a scandal if this fare rise is applied to Bedford rail users, when…
- The Thameslink service has been a complete shambles since they tried to bring in the new timetable in May. Billions of pounds of UK taxpayers money, thousands of pounds from each Bedford season ticket holder, and to date it's just been a severe deterioration in service and daily misery for rail users. People have found it impossible to fulfil day-to-day work and personal responsibilities.
- The Government has ripped peak intercity trains away from Bedford for at least two years, with slower commuter trains for London commuters and rail replacement buses from Wellingborough to Bedford in the morning peak, and back in the evening.
- The Government has also decided to scrap almost all intercity trains from Bedford indefinitely under the next East Midlands franchise, from 2019, with 'commuter-style' services between Corby and London instead. This permanent downgrade in our rail infrastructure comes as the government is insisting on a massive increase in housebuilding targets in Bedford Borough.
In light of the above and the ongoing misery for Bedford rail users, the government must ensure that rail fares are not increased next year."