Carr condemns steep rise in public transport costs

9.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 19th May 2009

Sarah Carr conducting a Herefordshire Bus Users' Survey

The cost of bus and train travel has risen significantly in real terms in recent years while driving and air travel have become surprisingly cheaper, information uncovered by the Liberal Democrats has found. The figures, revealed in a Parliamentary answer by the Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Norman Baker MP, who recently visited Herefordshire at the invitation of local campaigner Sarah Carr, show that:

Bus and coach fares have increased by 17% in real terms since 1997 and by 55% since 1979

Train fares have risen 7% in real terms since 1997 and by 49% since 1979

The real cost of driving has fallen 13% since 1997 and by 17% since 1979

The average cost of a one-way air fare fell 49% between 1997 and 2006

Commenting on the figures, Sarah Carr the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Hereford and South Herefordshire said:

"These figures show just what a raw deal train and bus passengers are getting from this Government. Whilst many people in a rural county like Herefordshire need to use their cars, many others especially the elderly are reliant on a sub-standard public transport network and want a better, more reliable service.

"Last year I went out and about on our local buses asking people what they thought of the service and how it can be improved. It is notable to hear the number of young people who are put off from using public transport such as buses because they are so expensive and inconvenient compared to using a car.

"I will continue to campaign to ensure public transport becomes more affordable and reliable for all."