Rail users in call for improved services
Rail users from Northampton have pressed the Government for improvements to train services in the town at a top-level meeting.
Northampton Rail Users Group (NRUG) members and the chairman of the group, Labour MP for Northampton North Sally Keeble, met secretary of state for transport Lord Adonis yesterday to discuss the current woes of the town's rail links.
Among the topics discussed by the group yesterday were whether plans for high speed lines would benefit Northampton and opposition to recent off-peak fare increases.
Mrs Keeble said: "The recent introduction of off-peak travel restrictions were implemented with very little notice and no consultation and have effectively meant a price increase for many people in Northampton.
"These increases in price are completely unaffordable for many travelling from Northampton and have had a particularly severe impact on families.
"The NRUG also intend to put the case for improving the rail service provision in Northampton including upgrading the fast track access for Northampton and upgrading the Northampton to Rugby track speed."
The group outlined a three point package which they said would benefit rail users in Northampton, including an objection to an increase in the price of off-peak tickets. They also called for the town to be included on the programme for the new Intercity Express Trains, which would upgrade rail lines between Northampton and Rugby.
Meanwhile, members said the new High Speed Rail Link between London and Scotland should also benefit Northampton.
The new route will free up some slots on the West Coast Main Line, and NRUG said some of those should be allocated to Northampton trains.
Mrs Keeble said plans should be affordable, but added: "We want to ensure that Northampton benefits from the proposed improvements to the rail infrastructure.
"It is a growing town and we must have the right standard and capacity of transport to meet its ambitions."
Rail users in call for improved services
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Weather for Northampton
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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