Crispin Blunt to take case for fair fares to rail regulator as Minister rejects Zone 6 proposal

In a letter to Crispin Blunt MP, Rail Minister, Claire Perry MP, has rejected local Rail Users calls for Oyster Zone 6 to be extended to Redhill, Reigate, Merstham, Earlswood and Salfords stations.

The petition for Zone 6 has been supported by 3,281 passengers, advocated by the Reigate, Redhill and District Rail Users Association and championed by local MP Crispin Blunt. Crispin Blunt and the Rail Users Association met Claire Perry in October to highlight the deterioration of rail services and to make the case for lower and simplified fares by introducing Zone 6.

In her letter, Claire Perry says “I did indicate that I am supportive of simplifying fares and making rail travel easier but it must be for the whole region and not one part of it. Therefore, I do not believe that a move to put Redhill into Zone 6 as a short term solution to be reviewed in 2018 would be appropriate.” She says that she continues to monitor performance and that the regulator, the Office of Rail and Road, have agreed a £4.1 million package of improvements to address performance issues on the Southern route.

Crispin Blunt responded:

“Passengers from Redhill and other local stations are at a serious disadvantage. They are paying higher fares than comparable stations elsewhere in the region, they are bearing the brunt of reduced services and disruption, and in recent weeks the service has fallen apart completely. Ministers and the Department for Transport can’t just brush this unfairness under the carpet.

“We made a proposal for Zone 6 which could have been revenue neutral. No serious effort has been made to rectify the injustice of commuters paying premium prices for substandard services. Unfortunately, we have been fobbed off.

“I will be seeking a debate in the House of Commons at the earliest opportunity. I will also be making a complaint to the Office of Rail and Road to see whether they, as the regulator, can investigate and do something to deliver some justice for passengers.”

The letter from the Rail Minister, Claire Perry, can be read here: Claire Perry 16 December 2015