NETWORK CARD

Early day motion 1021, tabled 18 March 2002 by Jane Griffiths (Labour). Signed by 62 members.

That this House is dismayed at reports that train operators are to reduce the benefits available to Network Card holders; believes this is a backward step in encouraging the use of off-peak rail travel; considers that it makes short journeys to shop, visit friends, to work or school less attractive than longer commuter or business journeys; is concerned at the impact of such proposals upon social exclusion and transport; supports the call for a national rail card that would extrapolate the sort of benefits currently available to Network Card holders right across the rail network as part of the case for a cheaper, simpler system of off-peak, walk-on fares; calls upon the train operators not to reduce the benefits available to Network Card holders at their meeting on 25th march; and calls for the Strategic Rail Authority to introduce a national railcard as part of a cheaper, simpler system of off-peak, walk-on fares as a result of their fares review.

Signatures by party: Labour 40, Liberal Democrat 13, Conservative 5, Labour/Co-operative 3, UUP 1.