Rail fares rip-off

Editor

So, next year, 2019, will see another 3.1% increase in rail fares on average. 

This is galling for passengers, especially given the chaos on Northern Rail this year which is still suffering problems with punctuality. 

Passengers are constantly being promised new trains and better services, but we still have the same old Pacer trains on local lines. 

Indeed one of the worse lines for punctuality is the one runs through Greenfield station.

We need to see the Secretary of State for Transport acknowledge his ineptitude, the companies running trains in Greater Manchester their failures in recent months and the freezing of fares in Greater Manchester for 2019 as a small gesture of recompense.

What the Green Party wants is a state-owned railway which invests all profits in infrastructure and rolling stock. 

We need integration of all forms of public transport and through ticketing as per London’s Oyster Card. 

We need to persuade people to reduce their reliance on cars, but to do this we need cheap, frequent and reliable public transport.

Roger Pakeman

Treasurer

Oldham and Saddleworth Green Party

The views expressed are those of the author of the letter and not those of Oldham Chronicle.