Oxford passengers to join fare strike

Oxford passengers are joining in Britain’s second fare strike Monday January 28 in protest against First Great Western’s high fares and poor service. 

Passengers travelling from Oxford to London Paddington in the rush hour will be joining those travelling from Bath, Frome, Yatton and Yate by taking part in the fare strike.  

Commuter pressure groups Ox Rail Action (Oxford) and More Train Less Strain (Bath) are calling on FGW’s chief operating officer Andrew Haines to improve the appalling service delivered each day by FGW and withdraw the unjustified fare increases introduced on January 2 2008.

We are urging all travellers to show their support for the strike by refusing to show a valid ticket and instead presenting the alternative FARE STRIKE ticket to First Great Western officials. 

 Fare strike tickets will be handed out outside Oxford station on the morning of the strike. MPs across the region have already pledged their support for the fare strike and are expected to turn up at train stations on January 28 to show their backing for the campaign. 

Tickets will also be available in advance of the strike via this website.

The service has gone from bad to worse in recent months. 

And while we have endured the deterioration of service, FGW (controlled by First Group) continues to generate significant profits.

Indeed, in the final quarter of 2007, FGW’s passenger revenues increased by a further 10 per cent. Moreover, First Group’s UK Rail operating profits were up 36.7 per cent to nearly £110m.   

We are calling on the Secretary of State for Transport Ruth Kelly to take action and put pressure on First Great Western to improve its punctuality and reliability and deliver a better-value service.

If First Great Western cannot run the franchise to the satisfaction of the travelling public, it should be re-negotiated and awarded to someone who can. 

Notes: 

1. The FARE STRIKE tickets will be issued from stations including Oxford station (between 6.30am and 8.30am) and are intended for use by anyone travelling  on First Great Western services; we are not encouraging passengers to travel without a valid ticket, but we are encouraging them not to show it
2. For more information on the strike contact Ox Rail Action member Zahra Akkerhuys, in Oxford, on 07974 313566 or More Train Less Strain campaign organiser Tony Ambrose 07816 588287
3. The first fare strike took place a year ago on Monday January 22 involving 2000 commuters travelling from Bristol and Bath

About these ads