Observer Comment: Fares rise coupled with works gives out red signal
RAIL fares have gone up, while Bexhill commuters face a miserable trip to Rye and Ashford thanks to the three-month closure of the Ore tunnel.
The general wisdom is that not much can be done to ease the ‘short term pain’ of the closure referred to by Bexhill Rail Action Group’s Richard Madge.
The works do need to be done, but surely the step would have been less drastic if Network Rail had spent more time and cash on maintaining the Ore tunnel in the past? Is Network Rail paying a penalty as the line will be down for so long?
The fares rise coupled with the disruption sends out the wrong signals to regular rail users and anybody considering giving up their car to use public transport to get to work.
Train operator Southern’s concessionary fares might ease the wallet throughout the disruption, but frustration levels are still likely to be high as replacement bus services take the strain - and through roadworks on the A259.
Many people would perhaps consider the fares rise justified if we see marked improvements to the rail service locally.
It’s great to see Southern being confident enough to commission 130 new Elecrostar carriages, but unfortunately they will be going to the London area.
So if the carriages which will be replaced on the metro lines are still in good enough nick, is there a chance we could have them down here to ease overcrowding at peak times on our railway services?
We like to complain about them, but our railways are important and hold a special place in many people’s hearts.
More investment and forward planning from both rail operator and track maintenance firm would lead to less disruption - something which is sure to be welcomed.
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Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Thursday 23 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South west
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Temperature: 2 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
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