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| "Fare Hike Unfair" says Maines |
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Many Lewisham residents will rightly feel angered at the latest round of increases and changes in fares on public transport, according to local Liberal Democrat Chris Maines.
"It is astonishing that a short return bus ride will cost £3. These increases and changes fly in the face of everybody being encouraged to leave their car behind and use public transport". says Chris Maines "It is a triple whammy for infrequent passengers from the Lewisham area, hit by increases on national railway, the tubes and buses," he claims, " and many are unable to benefit from the discounts of an oyster card as rail companies refusal to properly embrace the discount card." Many people will be hit by double digit percentage increases and others will suffer from the disappearance of the Carnet, Family travelcards and Zone 1 travelcards. The vast majority of residents in Lewisham, who do not live near a tube station, face higher travel costs because of the difficulties encountered obtaining and using Oyster cards at railway stations. Chris Maines says "Many commuters travelling from Zones 2 & 3 stations will be paying more for their season tickets and yet they will still have uncomfortable journeys with no seats available on the overcrowded and unreliable trains." "I believe these increases and changes will have an impact on Lewisham roads, as many people will abandon public transport for their car. The changes are a real disincentive for families to use public transport. Those from further out will be driving through our area on their way to London."
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