REVIEW OF RAIL FARE REGULATION

Early day motion 1852, tabled 13 July 2009 by Clive Betts (Labour). Signed by 96 members.

That this House notes that the UK has the highest train fares in Europe; further notes that the Government is cutting its financial contribution to rail and making passengers pay a greater share, and that this policy leads to fare increases on regulated and unregulated tickets in real terms every year, which will mean ticket price rises in real terms in 2010, even though there may be a nominal decrease in some tickets due to deflation; further notes that rail is a low carbon mode of transport; recognises that modal shift to public transport could achieve significant carbon reduction; and calls on the Government to review current rail fares regulation and policy, with a view to reducing fares to encourage more people to take the train instead of driving or flying.

Signatures by party: Labour 51, Liberal Democrat 31, Conservative 5, DUP 4, Independent 3, Respect 1, Scottish National Party 1.