"Thameslink 2000" - is this the end of the longest-running farce in London?

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 24th Jul 2007

Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Sandy Walkington has welcomed the confirmation that at least the northern section of Thameslink 2000 is to go ahead. "Thank goodness for the London Olympics," Sandy said. "The requirements for adequate public transport access to the Games have finally stiffened the Government's spine to end the longest-running farce in London and fund this long overdue infrastructure improvement.

"But this absolutely must not be used as an excuse for yet more fare rises. First Capital Connect is already paying a 'premium' to the Government of £808 million for its ten-year franchise. That is nothing more than a stealth tax on passengers to the Treasury since the money has to be found from ticket income. If First Capital Connect was not paying that money to the Government, we would have cheaper fares and better trains already.

"As figures disclosed only this week by the Transport Minister show, the price of train travel has already gone up by more than 50% over the last thirty years while the cost of motoring has fallen by 10% in the same period," said Sandy. "Rail travellers are doing everyone a favour by keeping cars off the road and minimising global carbon emissions. It's time that they are rewarded for their contribution," he concluded.

ENDS

For more information, please call Sandy Walkington on 07802 177317