As many as 675 station ticket offices are under threat of closure, with staff being replaced by ticket vending machines (TVM) that will cause problems for local communities who rely on that service. If your station is on the list and you agree with our reasons to defend it, reasons based on community experience elsewhere, why not take action to defend it. And tell us what you plan and how we can help.
Campaigns
Public transport in London is key to the economy of the city yet since Boris Johnson became Mayor in 2008 it has suffered from substantial cuts in support and record increases in fares. The Mayor plans to continue with this policy as he moves the financial burden onto the passenger, many of whom he knows earn the lowest wages. We think this is deeply unjust and if you think the same way, join us and let’s campaign together within our communities.
The ConDem government has condemned 1400 workers at the Bombardier plant in Derby, the last train building plant in the UK, by awarding the Thameslink contract to Siemens of Germany. As if this isn’t bad enough, the government has refused to recognise the impact their decision would have on the wider community with 15,000 supply chain jobs put in jeopardy. Join with us to fight against this massive injustice.
At a time of record numbers of people using the railways, the ConDem government has implemented inflation busting fare rises of RPI+3% for each of the next three years, beginning in 2012. Many people are already feeling the effect of higher prices and wages that fail to keep up with inflation and so obscene increases that amount to a “Rail Tax” will only drive people away and back to their climate busting cars. If you agree with us, why not take action. Join us and let’s get together and share how we can campaign together.
In 2012 our overpriced rail fares have been hiked again.
Our trains are already the most expensive in Europe!
In three years’ time ticket prices will be 24% more expensive than now, yet passengers continue to be stuck with overcrowded, unreliable trains, with less staff on trains and less staff at stations.
This Government is taking us further and further away from the value for money train service we all need.This January its time to say – Enough is enough.
Join Together for Transport for a week of #FareFail actions starting on January 3rd.
- For details of whats happening go to the #FareFail web-site here: www.farefail.org and sign up for updates.
- Keep an eye out on twitter for the hash-tag #FareFail
- If you want to order some #FareFail campaigns materials to give out where you are or want to find out more – please email sam@togetherfortransport.org
Best wishes for Christmas & the New Year
Together for Transport
P.S. - Look out for the #FareFail action alert at the start of January.
Over the next few weeks, Together for Transport and its supporters will be at handing out Oyster Card Wallets to passengers with the "Bus Fares UP 50% - Sack Boris" logo on them.
Issues around public tranport - whether its constant fare increases or cuts to subsidies leading to cuts to services - will determine the outcome of the Mayoral Election in May 2012.
Already the media are focusing on the different promises candidates are making about how they would handle public transport across London.
Since Boris Johnson became London Mayor in 2008, bus fares in London have increased by 50% and he has plans to continue to increase fares by Retail Price Index Inflation + 2% every year until 2017/8. This is so that he can cut bus subsidies whilst at the same time not expnding the mileage covered by London's bus network.
We think this is completely unfair because Transport for London know from their own research that bus passengers include some of the poorest people in London, many of whom cannot afford more the up-front cost of travel cards and so are penalised by having to pay each time they use a bus.
But increased fares are also a factor on the tube network, so the relevance of the Sack Boris Campaign isn't just for the millions of daily bus users but also for the people who make the hundreds of thousands of tube journeys.
If you want to get involved in our campign, e-mail us on campaigning@tssa.org.uk or at info@togetherfortransport.org
TSSA and Together for Transport are working together to build a powerful coalition of trade unions, rail passengers, businesses and environmental groups in the South West aimed at agreeing a core set of standards for the next franchisee and then lobbying those in the bidding to adopt them.
The new Great Western franchise is due to be awarded later this year.
Current train operator First is bidding against a number of other companies to win the new lucrative 15 year contract.
With the Government looking to slash costs, we need popular support to demand the franchise doesn’t implement cuts to railway services and staff.
Already a number of partner organisations have come on board in preparation for a formal campaign launch in May.
The coalition’s core demands are as follows:
An affordable railway No increases in fares above inflation.
Stop the station car park rip-off. Don’t charge taxis to use station taxi ranks.
Local branches and suburban services
Protect current levels of local branch and suburban network provision and deliver investment to expand services.
Personal safety
Lower crime rates on stations and trains – improve passenger perception of personal security.
A well-staffed railway
No cuts to railway staff. Preserve staffed ticket offices. A guard on every train; maintenance staff that ensure a safe and environmentally pleasant network.
A pleasant travelling experience
Clean and pleasant stations, a reliable service and a safe railway – and an end to overcrowding. Community grants for volunteer projects that improve station environments. No reductions to safety spending.
An accessible railway
Accessible stations and trains for older and disabled passengers and parents with small children and push-chairs. No reduction to the number of station stops. A disabled station assistant for everyone who requires one.
An integrated transport region
Commit to working with local councils and other providers of local public transport to move towards a joined up transport network. Support for and co-operation with integrated transport authorities where relevant.
An environmentally friendly railway
Commit to an eco-audit of the fleet and maintain and redevelop trains in a way that reduces CO2 emissions. Reduce carbon footprint of the entire franchise operation.
Take Action:
Do you live in the area covered by the Great Western franchise? Would you like to be involved in the campaign for a FarePayers’ Franchise? Email: Rob@togetherfortransport.org or George@togetherfortransport.org to get involved.