MP Mark Oaten criticised 'super off peak' fare

4.42.28pm GMT Tue 20th Mar 2007

A 20% increase in cost is crazy says Martin Tod

Liberal Democrat MP Mark Oaten has criticised the new 'super off peak' fare to be introduced by South West Trains from May 20th for trains arriving at London Waterloo between 10 a.m. and 12 noon - which will be up to 20% more expensive than the current off peak fare.

"This is a huge hike and completely unjustified," commented Mark Oaten MP, "South West Trains are exploiting their monopoly of direct trains to London. Many people who choose to travel after the rush hour are not earning London salaries and this increase will hit them hard".

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Martin Tod, is angry about the lack of consultation:

"Our fares are already the most expensive in Europe. Further price hikes are the last thing we need. It's crazy to be pricing people off the railways and into cars when climate change is such an issue. And why has there been no consultation? Can we expect to see further increases this time next year? What guarantees can we get that the additional money raised will be spent on better services?"

Liberal Democrat candidate, Martin Tod, will be writing to the rail regulator about the increases.