2008 Rail misery for Crawley residents

7.07.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 2nd Jan 2008

On the day that Crawley residents are hit by a nearly 10% rail fare increases, the Liberal Democrats have released figures highlighting that Crawley is one of the most expensive areas to commute to London. And that the cost of travelling by train continues to rise whilst the cost of car commuting reduces.

The research reveals that Crawley residents pay 38p per mile to London compared to just 19p per mile for residents from Basildon or 22p from Uckfield or 20p from East Grinstead.

The increase in fares - 9.68% - also compares unfavourably with many other areas that only have a percentage increase of a few percent.

Commenting, Crawley Liberal Democrat Councillor Gordon Seekings said "Commuters are returning to work only to face massive fare hikes and overcrowding. We already have the most expensive rail fares in Europe with rail travellers facing further inflation-busting price rises."

"Passengers are being forced off the railways because of hugely expensive tickets. This is yet another sign that the Government's rail policy is failing."

"Under Labour the cost of motoring has actually fallen, while the cost of using the trains has gone through the roof."