Liberal Democrats discuss Rail fares and franchises

10.47.10am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 22nd Sep 2009

Central Train

Today the Liberal Democrat Conference discussed the cost of rail fares which are among the highest in Europe. Merry Hill candidate Eileen Birch said "The Liberal Democrats condemn the recent increases in both regulated and unregulated rail fares, which are higher than the then rate of inflation and bore particularly hard on those who depend on the railway to commute to work."

The Conference noted the way this franchise model has led to companies overbidding for franchises, creating the situation where both GNER and now National Express have handed back the East Coast franchise to the Government, leaving the taxpayer with a greater cost to bear.

Members discussed if the Government should retain the East Coast franchise until the end of the current franchise term and scrap the failing franchise system and replace it with one that prioritises the passenger over higher premium payments.