Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Justin Madders (Lab) has called for an end to what he describes as the ‘Neston rail fare rip-off’.
Mr Madders is aiming to put the question to the secretary of state for transport this Thursday, April 28, after calling for a parliamentary debate on introducing more equitable rail fares for Neston travellers.
He said Neston residents can pay over twice as much as those living in Hooton for the same journey.
According to the National Rail Enquiries Website, a return ticket from Neston to Southport costs £13.30 while the same journey from Hooton costs just £6.45.
Passengers travelling from Hooton also benefit from a more regular service and shorter journey times.
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Responding to an earlier question to the Leader of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP expressed concern about the problem and indicated that the Transport Secretary would be in the Commons taking questions.
'Unreliable services'
Commenting afterwards, Mr Madders said: “It is an outrage that Neston residents are being charged twice as much for the same journey as people living just a few miles away.
“The people of Neston also face the double disadvantage of being charged rip-off fares for infrequent and unreliable services.
“I’m disappointed the Government were not interested in holding a debate about this issue which I know occurs in a number of other areas across the country. There should not be a postcode lottery when it comes to rail fares.
“I’ve tabled a question to the Secretary of State for Transport on this subject and if my question is drawn I will again call on the Government to act to bring an end to this longstanding problem.
“I am also continuing to work on a cross-border basis on the issue of seeking infrastructure improvements and eventually the electrification of the Wrexham-Bidston train line.”
What do you think about the fares from Neston station? Should it be cheaper? Let us know in the comments box below:
