Rail Fare hike is blow to Northampton Commuters

6.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 2nd Jan 2008

With the New Year seeing rail fares from Northampton to London have increased by nearly 5%, Andrew Simpson, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North has condemned the latest increase.

"I commute daily by train to Milton Keynes from Northampton and this latest increase makes it seem more economical to go by car that be more environmentally friendly and travel by train". said Andrew.

'It is a further blow to people who commute by train from Northampton to work and undermines any claim this Labour Government has in trying to shift people out of cars".

"We already have the most expensive rail fares in Europe with rail travellers facing further inflation-busting price rises".

"Passengers are being forced off the railways because of hugely expensive tickets. This is yet another sign that the Government's rail policy is failing".

"Under Labour the cost of motoring has actually fallen, while the cost of using the trains has gone through the roof."

Liberal Democrats would bring in a new lorry tariff that would be used to fund extra investments in the railways and hold down prices on busy commuter routes.

Rail Fare Changes

Station Operator Cost of journey Dec 18 2007 (£)

Cost of journey Jan 3 2008 (£) Percentage increase Cost per mile in Jan (£)

Northampton London Midland £41.20 £43.20 4.85% 0.33p