Greg presses MD of Southeastern on possible rail fare increases

Greg Clark met with the Managing Director of Southeastern, Charles Horton, at the House of Commons today to press him on possible rail fare increases.

Speaking after the meeting Greg Clark said:

"The Government has promised to cap the annual rail fare increase to inflation plus 1% for the next two years, which is welcome news for commuters. However, under its current franchise agreement, Southeastern is legally entitled to increase the fare from any particular station by up to 5% more than this, as long as the average increase across its network is at the national cap.

"In the past commuters from Tunbridge Wells and Paddock Wood have been hit by this extra charge. Last year we managed to persuade Southeastern not to apply any increase above the national average to our stations.

"I asked to meet Southestern's Managing Director in person to urge him not to increase rail fares from our local stations by more than the national average.

"At a time when many rail passengers are struggling financially, a big increase would be very hard to bear.

"Charles Horton listened carefully to my argument and said that he will take it into account when making a final decision in a few weeks time."

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