Super Fleece by South West Trains

11.45.11am GMT Wed 21st Mar 2007

Sandra Gidley MP has criticised South West Trains for introducing the new 'super off peak' fare from May 20th for trains arriving at London Waterloo between 10 am and 12 noon.

The new fares will be up to 20% more expensive than the current off peak fare. Sandra said

"This huge increase in fares is completely unjustified. South West Trains are exploiting their monopoly of direct trains to London with their plan to fleece passengers. Many people who choose to travel after the rush hour are not business people and this increase will hit people hard. Many may decide not to use the train as a result. Our fares are already the most expensive in Europe and making rail travel more expensive will do nothing to encourage the use of public transport.

I am concerned that this increase has been announced so soon after the granting of the franchise and will be raising this with the Transport Minister to check that this is allowable under the terms and conditions of that franchise"

ENDS