You Won't Get Far For A Tenner On UK Railways
Bath's MP, Don Foster, who is Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, today released figures to show that £10 will only take passengers 42 miles on the UK railway system, but much further in Europe.

"For the equivalent of a tenner, you can travel more than three times as far in Spain, and over four times as far in Italy. In the Czech Republic you can travel over 7 times as far on the railway as you can in the UK!" said Don.

"International comparisons show that passengers simply do not get value for money on UK railways.

"Britain may have the worst railway in Europe, and these figures show it has the most expensive one too.

"The Government has got to get serious about making our railways affordable again."

These figures come in light of the SRA recommendation to remove the cap on season ticket prices.



ENDS



Notes to Editors:

1. League Table for selected nations - "How far can you travel for a tenner?"

Average fare per 100miles (per 100 kms) Distance travelled for £10 - miles (kms)

Per 100miles Per 100kms In Miles In Kilometres
1. Slovakia 3.25 2.02 307.69 495.38
2. Poland 5.42 3.37 184.50 297.05
3. Czech Republic 4.33 2.69 230.95 371.82
4. Hungary 3.25 2.02 307.69 495.38
5. Italy 5.42 3.37 184.50 297.05
6. Finland 14.08 8.75 71.02 114.35
7. Belgium 10.83 6.73 92.34 148.66
8. Austria 14.08 8.75 71.02 114.35
9. France 14.08 8.75 71.02 114.35
10. Spain 7.58 4.71 131.93 212.40
11. Sweden 10.83 6.73 92.37 148.66
12. Germany 15.16 9.42 65.96 106.20
13. Denmark 9.75 6.05 102.56 165.13
14. Switzerland 21.66 13.45 46.17 74.33
15. Britain 23.83 14.80 41.96 67.56
16. Ireland 20.58 12.78 48.59 78.23
17. Norway 22.75 14.13 43.96 70.77

NB: January 2003 fare per 100km for a typical journey of around 200km. Standard class open ticket. Converted to £ equivalent at current exchange rates. Source: Thomas Cook European Railway Timetable, Jan 2003.

2. SRA announcement on to abolish Season Ticket capping

A study published yesterday by the Strategic Rail Authority recommended that the capping of rail season tickets for commuters should be abolished.

[The Times, p.1, 9 May 2023]

3. Liberal Democrat Proposals on Fares Regulation: Railcards

The Liberal Democrats will introduce a National Railcard for all, similar to those found in Germany, Holland and Switzerland. This will replace the Network Railcard available, at present, only in the South East, and will provide - for a small one-off annual payment - 1/3 off fares in off-peak periods to encourage use of the network when demand is low. This scheme will be tailored to ensure no additional costs to the railways.

Printed (hosted) by David Bellotti on behalf of Don Foster (Liberal Democrat) both at 31 James Street West, Bath BA1 2BT.