FAIR FARES CAMPAIGN – MARCH 2015

Rail users to train companies: “Make fares fair, or face the consequences.”

Rail users from Redhill and the surrounding area have launched a new campaign to demand Southern Rail include local stations in Transport for London zone 6.

Since late 2014, commuters from East Surrey stations have faced shockingly poor services to and from London. Reigate, Redhill & District Rail Users’ Association (RRDRUA) has launched a petition asking the Secretary of State for Transport to include local stations in TfL’s travel zones, ensuring fairer prices for all rail users.

Local MP Crispin Blunt backs the campaign, and has said that if a “credible solution” isn’t offered to rail users, he will back a campaign of direct action, which could include:

  • Passenger rail fare strike
  • Train sit-ins
  • Occupying local stations

RRDRUA chair, Steve Trigg, said:

“Local rail users are sick to death of their treatment by the Department for Transport, and the rail companies. We pay a premium to travel on the Redhill line and the service should match that. Our Fair Fares campaign will make Southern’s management sit up and take action to improve the woeful lot of local commuters.”

Anyone wanting to show support to the Fare Fairs campaign can attend the RRDRUA Annual General Meeting at the Harlequin Theatre, Redhill, 7:30pm, 12 March 2015.

Notes to editors

  1. RRDRUA is the representative group for rail passengers served by stations between Merstham and Horley.
  2. Sign the Redhill Zone 6 petition here: http://tinyurl.com/og3lenh
  3. Follow us on twitter: @RedhillRail and @ReigateRail
  4. The “Fair Fares” campaign aims to force the Train Operating Companies, Network Rail and the Department for Transport to either improve poor services on the Redhill line, or to reduce fares accordingly.
  5. Poor service includes:
    a. chronically overcrowded trains with less onboard room for commuters than cattle are legally entitled to (known as the “#redhillmoo effect”)
    b. slow running, habitually delayed and cancelled services
    c. Dangerously overcrowded stations at London Bridge, London Victoria and East Croydon