Mayor Dave Slams Rail Fares Increase and Renews Call to Freeze Fares

Mayor Dave Hodgson has described the 3.1% average rail fares increase announced today as an 'outrage' from which Bedford rail users must be protected due to the unique array of failures and disruptions they have suffered. He also renewed his call on the government to freeze fares from Bedford

Mayor Dave said: "Bedford rail users have suffered a unique array of disruptions and failures, and another fares hike on top of the high prices they're already paying is an outrage. The case for them to be protected from yet another excessive rail fares rise is overwhelming.'

"Local rail users have had fast intercity peak time services removed by the government. They've suffered the total failure of the new Thameslink timetables from May. And they face the almost complete removal of Bedford from the intercity rail network under the next East Midlands franchise. All that should add up to a freeze on fares at very worst, not another big increase.'

"To join the Freeze Fares campaign against further fare rises from Bedford, sign the petition at www.bedfordlibdems.org.uk/freezefares"