Mayor Dave Slams ‘Totally Unjustifiable’ Rail Fare Rise

Mayor Dave Hodgson has described the news of further rail fare rises as 'another kick in the teeth' for Bedford rail users. Commuters' rail fares will rise by a further 2.8% in the new year - a rise that Mayor Dave has called 'totally unjustifiable'.

Commenting on Facebook, Mayor Dave said:

"This is another kick in the teeth for long-suffering Bedford rail commuters. They have had to contend with the utter shambles of last year's new timetables, the loss of peak time intercity fast trains and the forthcoming loss of all intercity trains under the next East Midlands franchise.'

"And that's all in addition to periodic disruption they suffer such as last week's total breakdown of services in bad weather.'

"In light of all this, it is simply totally unjustifiable that Bedford rail commuters should face yet another fares increase."

Most train fares are set by the rail companies themselves but some fares, including season tickets, are 'regulated', and linked to the RPI measure of inflation. It is these fares that it is now confirmed will be increasing by 2.8% in the new year, including for Bedford commuters, in spite of the disruption they have had to endure.

Mayor Dave and Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats are fighting for Bedford Borough rail users on numerous fronts in addition to fares, including pressing for an East West rail route via Bedford, for intercity services from Bedford, delivering Wixams station, more Bedford Station parking and more.