Planned protests over higher rail fares

by

The biggest rail workers’ union is planning a series of protests on the day higher rail fares are set to be announced.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) will demonstrate outside stations in more than 30 locations including Cardiff, London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Bristol and Manchester.

Union activists and campaigners will also step up demands for a publicly-owned railway during the protests on Wednesday August 14.

Article continues below…
Advert

Enjoy more Railway reading in the monthly magazine.
Click here to subscribe & save.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “RMT activists and supporters will be calling for our railways to be run as an affordable and accessible public service and not for private profit.

RMT strike
Planned strikes over higher rail fares. Photo: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

“Every year, millions of pounds are siphoned out of the system as private shareholder profit rather than being reinvested in the network.

“Only 10% of stations are fully staffed, yet UK passengers pay some of the highest fares in Europe.

Article continues below…
Advert

Latest stories


“The increase announced this month will only serve to make the rail network less affordable and accessible for the travelling public.

“Privatisation is at odds with a sustainable rail network – we need a publicly-owned and nationally-integrated railway now.”

There has been speculation that the increase in fares will be around 2.7%, which would add more than £100 to the season tickets of hundreds of thousands of commuters.

Article continues below…
Advert


Advert
Subscribe to The Railway Magazine
Enjoy more of The Railway Magazine reading every month. Click here to subscribe.

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.


Article Tags:

About the Author