Green Party co-leader Adrian
Ramsay has called for a freeze on rail fares ahead of the
government’s announcement today on whether or not they will raise
fares in line with inflation in January 2024 [1].
Comparing rail fare rises in
previous years to the freeze in fuel duty for drivers and cuts to
air passenger duty for domestic flights, Ramsay has urged the
government to ensure that rail passengers are not penalised for
using a more sustainable form of transport.
Ramsay said:
“This government is moving in
completely the wrong direction. Fuel duty has been frozen since
2011, while air passenger duty cuts this year will be a disaster
for the climate crisis by encouraging people to fly
more.
“This is despite the fact UK rail
passengers are already paying more to travel by train than flying
[2] and are faced with some of the most expensive tickets in
Europe.
“Emissions from transport are
higher than for any other sector of the economy. If the UK is to
meet its climate commitments, then we need more people choosing
trains over cars and planes, and we need more commuters opting
for public transport and active travel to get to
work.
“Making train travel more
expensive, while closing rail ticket offices that support
travellers to get the best deal, would underscore the
government’s contempt for climate action and the travelling
public.
“Pushing up prices at all would
make it harder for hard-pressed travellers to make the right
decision for pocket and planet.
“That is why I am urging the
government to come forward with a plan today which will freeze
rail fares. This would help address the cost of living crisis
while helping to tackle the climate emergency.
“The Green alternative to the
continued rundown of our railways is clear - make train travel
affordable, safe and easy.
“That means bringing the whole
rail system into public ownership, making sure it is always
cheaper than the equivalent route by air or road, and encouraging
more freight onto rail.
“That’s a win-win for the public
and tackling the climate crisis.”
ENDS
NOTES
1
The rise in rail fares each
January is based on the annual increase in Retail Price Index
(RPI) measured the previous July and is due to be announced
today. The price cap is usually announced by the Government each
December.
2
Recent research suggests train travel is 35%
more expensive than flying, despite the fact that plane journeys on
average emit twice the C02 on average (118% more) compared to
travelling by train, while fuel duty is frozen.
