More Train Less Strain

More Train Less Strain condemns both FGW and the government for implementing above inflation fare rises.

First continues to be one of the country's most profitable companies and these fare hikes will ensure that their shareholders continue to cream off the companies profits. In addition, the government stands to benefit from this tax on rail commuters as their policy is to reduce their subsidy to the rail industry year on year, and generate a higher proportion of the rail industry's costs from passenger revenue.

Government policy on railways has hit the buffers and needs a rapid overhaul. It will add to the CO2 burden and climate change as more people make the financial choice to let the car take the strain.
It will penalise poorer users who need to take the train to get to work and the increasing numbers who will need to travel to seek work.
It is a short term policy with no other aim than generating the maximum income from rail users for a minimum level of service.
It will drive people away from the railways at a time when every other European country is investing in the railways for the long term in a bid to attract more passengers from cars and short haul flights.
These fare rises will simply compound our problems of traffic congestion and ever expanding airports.

More Train Less Strain warns the government that whilst commuters may quitely put up with appalling conditions and outrageous fares on a daily basis their patience is near breaking point. Our previous fare strikes have demonstrated that when organised, commuters can speak with a very loud voice indeed. If need be, we will play our part to mobilsie hundreds of thousands of commuters and organise a national day of action on the railways, that will bring our concerns to the doorstep of every MP.