The Lib Dems and I have said the news that rail fares will rise by 2.7% in 2020 is a “kick in the teeth” for rail passengers in Woking.  The increase will leave commuters in Woking paying almost £100 more for an annual season ticket to London. 

Under Lib Dem plans, the 2.7% increase in 2020 would be cancelled and commuter rail fares would be frozen for the next five years.  This would save season ticket holders from Woking to London almost £1,500 over the next five years. 

The Lib Dems would also overhaul ticketing by simplifying the system, creating season tickets for part-time commuters and introducing early-bird fares.  The party would ensure that all rail franchises apply ‘delay repay compensation’ for delays of 15 minutes or more.

I think this fare hike is a ‘kick in the teeth’ for rail commuters in Woking who are already paying over the odds for an often shoddy service.  People waking up this week to travel to work on overcrowded, delayed or cancelled trains will be angered to find out they will be shelling out even more on travel next year.

For too long the Conservatives have neglected our rail infrastructure and allowed commuters to be treated like cash cows.

The Lib Dems will build a brighter future by freezing rail fares, saving local commuters hundreds of pounds over the next five years.  We will also make sure our creaking rail network receives the investment it needs, to improve capacity, increase the number of trains running in Woking at peak times and reduce overcrowding.