Alison Seabeck MP slams a lack of investment and further increase in rail fares

Alison Seabeck, MP for Plymouth Moor View, has slammed yet another increase in rail fares as constituents, already experiencing a cost of living crisis, now have to deal with higher transport costs to reach London and other key British cities.

Speaking in a House of Commons debate on inter-city rail investment, Ms Seabeck also raised her concerns about the lack of investment into the rail network in the South West, particularly in terms of improving rail resilience to ensure that lines down to the region don’t get cut off during times of heavy rain and flooding.

Ms Seabeck said: “The new fare for an anytime Standard Open return to and from London to Plymouth with First Great Western is now £271, and to Penzance is £284. When families are struggling with the cost of living, deciding to holiday in the lovely South West starts to look a very expensive option.”

“The Inter City connections for Plymouth are vital to the city’s growth plans and yet spending per person in the South West is in negative figures in real terms. Just how does that square with a supposed policy of regional growth?   The total identifiable expenditure on rail in the region has slumped from £286 million in 2008/09 to just £218 million in 2012/13. So much for a government which believes that growth and investment in infrastructure have a link.   Actions speak louder than words.”

Ms Seabeck went on to make a number of requests to the Transport Minister, including guarantees that investment to improve rail resilience at Exeter and beyond will continue, the introduction of an early train service from Plymouth to London which had previously been promised by the franchisee First Great Western, and that the South West benefits from new rolling stock to replace the old carriages currently in service.