It's no surprise we're seeing biggest drop in rail passenger numbers in 25 years - McDonald

Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, commenting on the Office of Rail and Road’s statistics showing the first drop in franchised rail passenger journeys since 2009-2010, said: 

“With fares rising three times faster than average wages since 2010 and severe disruption across the network, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing the biggest drop in passenger numbers in 25 years. Passengers are being priced out and finding services too overcrowded and unreliable – and these figures don’t even include the recent period of rail chaos.

“This not only worsens congestion and air pollution and contributes to climate change, it also threatens the sustainability of the railways. With franchise agreements assuming ever growing passenger numbers, this increases the likelihood of further bailouts, bank-rolled by the taxpayer.

“The Conservatives’ support for failed rail privatisation is putting the future of our railways at risk. Labour will take our railways back into public ownership to improve services and cap fares, running them in the interest of passengers, not for private profit.”