MP slams rail fare increases

WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones has called on the government to cut planned increases in rail fares scheduled from January.
The government is set to increase the cap on annual rail fare increases to three per cent above inflation which will hit Warrington residents and businesses hard, according to the MP.
However, many passengers will see increases of up to 11 per cent as the government has given train companies the right to increase some fares even further.
Ms Jones (pictured) supported a Labour motion in the House of Commons which called on the government to drop the and reinstate the cap on fare increases to 1 per cent above inflation. However, Tory and Lib Dem MPs voted against the motion and in favour of the increases.
The MP said: “This Tory-led Government has shown once again how out of touch it is by allowing private rail companies to hike fares by as much as 11 per cent. “Many people in Warrington rely on the train to get them to work. With the cost of living continuing to rise, this eye-watering increase comes at exactly the wrong time for them.
“I am also extremely concerned about the impact this huge increase in rail fares will have on businesses in Warrington that are working tirelessly to grow in this terrible economy. Increasing rail fares so steeply for business people who are travelling across the country to attract new business for Warrington is completely wrong.
The motion was defeated with 231 MPs voting in support of the motion and 294 MPs against.