Farron stands up for rail passengers in South Lakes

12.00.00am GMT Wed 3rd Feb 2010

MP Tim Farron spoke up today for train passengers in South Lakeland by calling for a review of rail fares that looks at bringing down the cost to make it easier for people to take the train instead of driving or flying.

Tim has joined the Campaign for Better Transport, who are fighting to bring down the price of train fares. Mr Farron called on the Government to put a stop to the continuing increases in already high fares and to simplify the fares system so that rail can become a viable alternative - especially for unplanned journeys.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

'We need a railway that responds to passengers' concerns and provides good value for money. I want to see a review of rail fares regulation to make sure this happens.

'The number of people taking the train has increased by over 40% in the last 10 years. But we can do even better by rethinking fares to ensure that rail is affordable for everyone. I want to see a review of rail fares regulation to make sure this happens.

'Since 1997 train fares have gone up by 7% above inflation. I want to see a review of rail fares regulation to make sure that train travel is affordable for everyone in South Lakeland.'

Cat Hobbs, public transport campaigner at Campaign for Better Transport said: 'We're pleased that Tim Farron has joined a growing number of MPs who are standing up for passengers and saying that fares cannot keep rising above inflation. Rail is the green option, it shouldn't be so expensive.'