17/01/12 - Swindon Advertiser Weekly Article
The issue of rail fares was debated in Parliament this week. Working with my colleague Robert Buckland, this is an issue on which we have continually pressed for action. We have continued to see rail fares rise year on year; in fact under the last Labour government they increased by a staggering 66% in cash terms. A number of factors have triggered these increases, including poorly negotiated contracts with the rail operators, the need for additional investment to increase capacity, and seeking to get a fairer balance between the burden of costs placed on rail passengers and general taxpayers. This year the increase was pegged back to one per cent above inflation. This followed George Osborne’s announcement in the Autumn Statement that he was to invest an extra £290m so that fares did not rise even more, yet we still need further action to help in the long-term. The investment in electrification of the Great Western mainline through Swindon and doubling of the Swindon to Kemble line will help increase capacity. We must fully grasp the opportunity to secure improved services and cheaper fares when the Great Western mainline contract comes up for renegotiation shortly. In addition, the rail operators need to do more to generate additional income, for example giving greater freedoms to train conductors to sell spare capacity in first class carriages at peak times. Robert and I will continue to work with representatives from Passenger Focus, the Campaign for Better Transport, the Association of Train Operating Companies, Swindon’s Local Enterprise Partnership and the Department of Transport to push these matters forward, and form alliances on how to get a better deal for Swindon commuters. This is essential both for passengers and for our town’s local economy, when one of the biggest barriers to further growth can be the cost of rail travel. On another matter, all too often we see horror stories in the Swindon Advertiser of members of the public and their pets being attacked by dangerous dogs. I have therefore joined leading animal welfare charities and veterinary organisations to urge action to tighten dog control legislation, in particular placing greater responsibilities on the reckless owners. This cannot come soon enough; it is simply unacceptable for dogs to foul or stray, to be dangerously out of control amounting to anti-social behaviour, or even to be used as a weapon.
Finally, I was delighted that Swindon Town FC knocked Premier League Wigan out the FA Cup. They’re also in a very strong position both in the league and ahead of the 2nd leg of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Things are certainly shaping up for an exciting season, a real boost for the town! Tweet |
