Fares Fair for Kent Commuters

Rail fares in Kent are now amongst the highest in the country with an average rise of 8% (2% more than the national average and more than four times the rate of inflation).

The Government has imposed upon South Eastern Trains a condition to run a subsidy-free network by 2014, resulting in an average increase of 3% above the rate of inflation. The Government’s imposition of year-on-year extortionate increases in rail fares for Kent’s commuters threatens to damage the Kent economy, deterring visitors and businesses from coming here. This will do nothing to get people out of their cars and onto public transport. Furthermore, passengers hoping to use the new High Speed lines may face a hike in prices of 35 per cent for the privilege. We welcome the reduction in travel times between Gravesend and St Pancras from 57 minutes to 25 minutes – but this will only benefit Kent if local people can afford to use the trains!