Rowen urges passengers to complain

Date published: 04/04/2007

Paul Rowen MP, the Lib Dem Transport Spokesperson, has slammed train fares that are "continually rising".  Mr Rowen was speaking following the publication of the Rail Regulator's Report into rail trends.  The Liberal Democrats have also released research that shows Britain has the most expensive open rail fares in Europe.

The Liberal Democrat research says that, "Ten pounds will take you over 660 miles in Slovakia, over 200 miles in Italy but only 39 miles in Britain. For the same amount of money, passengers can travel nearly three times that distance in France.

"It is a concern that although more trains run on time, passengers are unhappier with the service they get. Given the amount of public money spent on the railways, the travelling public need to get a much better deal.  Having recently travelled on the congested route from Rochdale to Manchester, it is clear for eveyone to see that there are problems but commuters simply accept it as the norm.   

"I feel that if everybody actually complained about the overcrowding then Tranpsort Bosses would have to act."

Mr Rowen was speaking in the light of the Office of Rail Regulator admitting that recorded complaints are only the 'tip of the iceberg', with commuters much less likely to complain.  He said: "In this country we have the absurd situation where there are laws against the overcrowding of trains for animals but not humans and this needs sorting."

Mr Rowen has received dozens of complaints since intitially highlighting the overcrowding on peak time trains from Rochdale to Manchester a number of weeks ago.  He said, "I know that commuters are often too busy to complain, but I am asking anyone with any grievance to get in touch.  Either by by emailing paul@paulrowen.co.uk or by calling the office on 01706 712 186.  I will send them a form in which they can ensure that their grievance is heard.

"Our railways should be reliable and accessible for everyone, not just those who can afford it. 

"This report gives us a stark reminder that before we can even consider congestion charging there needs to be dramatic improvement in public transport including buses and trains."