North Wales AM incensed as Welsh rail fare increases

12.00.00am GMT Wed 28th Nov 2007

Eleanor Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales, was today angered by the announcement that First Great Western and Arriva Trains have increased fares well above inflation rates.

Ms Burnham said:

"It is unbelievable that rail prices have gone up yet again. As an avid train commuter, I find it shocking that prices have gone up and up yet the services provided by the train companies have gone downhill. No clean toilets, sporadic services and shabby old wagons.

"Thousands of people a year travel from North to South Wales in often dire conditions, suffering delays and poor service. This is a vital economic link and the increase in rail fares is not helping to foster the relationship between both coasts.

"How can we persuade people to 'go green' and use public transport when train fares rise above inflation? Rail passengers pay more per mile than the majority of Europe. It is simply unacceptable."

Ends/ Diwedd

Contact/Cyswllt: Myrddin Edwards 02920 898345

Release/Rhyddhau: Wednesday, November 28, 2007