Rail Regulator refuses to take action on South West Trains rail fares: Lib Dems publish way to knock £4.80 off the fare

5.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 13th Jun 2007

The Office of the Rail Regulator has refused to take action against South West Trains' recent 18% increase in off-peak fares from Winchester to London on trains arriving between 10 a.m. and 12 noon.

In response to letters from Martin Tod, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, and many other local residents, they replied saying that they do not yet believe that they have the information to justify an investigation of the fare increase and arguing:

Just because a ticket price is raised significantly does not mean that it is 'excessive' and an abuse under competition law.

Mr Tod commented:

They've still not replied to the point that prices are only being increased by South West Trains where they don't face competition. I'm seeking legal advice - and am also consulting a transport economist - to see if we can challenge their decision.

We've also still not heard back from the Secretary of State. He's received the petition we collected from local travellers. We're awaiting his answer.

The Liberal Democrats have also updated their Fares Fair website (http://www.faresfair.org.uk) to include details of how to lobby ministers and save money on fares.

Mr Tod added:

We've researched all the different ways that people can save money on their fares to London. For example, you can save £4.80 by buying an off-peak return ticket to Basingstoke and then a separate off-peak return ticket from Basingstoke to London.

Contact:

Martin Tod, 07887 986048