Lib Dems pledge to freeze commuter fares
The Liberal Democrats will freeze rail fares for commuters and season ticket holders for the next five years.
The party also pledged to cancel the 2.8 per cent fare increase planned for next month if it forms the next government.
Currently a 12-month rail pass to travel on any permitted route from Rugby to Coventry costs £1,244.00, Rugby to Birmingham New St, Moor St or Snow Hill costs £3,024.00 and the cost of a season ticket from Rugby to London Euston costs £8,380.00.
Earlier this year, the TUC estimated the cost of train travel had gone up by 46 per cent since 2009, while wages had risen by only 23 per cent.
A Liberal Democrats administration led by the party's leader Jo Swinson would also simplify the ticketing system, introduce season tickets for part-time commuters and bring in 'early-bird' fares.
Liberal Democrats will also invest in commuter routes and the integration of rail, bus and cycle routes as well as improve disabled access to public transport via the Access for All programme.
Commenting, Liberal Democrats parliamentary candidate for Rugby & Bulkington, Rana Das-Gupta, said:
"People are paying way over the odds for what has often been an appalling service. The Liberal Democrats will save hard-pressed commuters thousands of pounds, extend Britain's rail network, improve stations and invest in modern trains."
Fixing Britain's Railways - Liberal Democrats Plan
Figures for the price of annual train ticket from 21 November 2019 to 21 November 2020 was taken from National Rail here https://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/seasonticket/search