Unite commenting on Boris Johnson's plans to increase tube and bus fares in London

Thursday, 15 October 2009 12:00 AM

Commenting on tube and bus fares rises announced today (Thursday) by Mayor of London Boris Johnson, Unite believes this is an outrageous decision in the midst of this recession.

The Mayor intends to raise tube fares by 3.9 percent in January and London bus fares will go up by an astonishing 12.7 percent from January.

Steve Hart, Unite regional secretary, said: "This is an outrageous assault on hard-working Londoners. When inflation is falling, these fare increases will mean a fall in living standards for public transport users. Fares should be frozen in the midst of this unprecedented recession.

"This represents the end to the low fare policy in London which has reduced congestion, increased bus usage by 6 percent a year and met climate change objectives.

"These fare rises will only increase congestion where more and more people will take to cars to avoid paying such extortionate fares on London's public transport.

"Freezing these rises is of major importance for our city, our quality of life, for climate change and social inclusion. Boris Johnson has also said he will end the western extension congestion charge and has cancelled the £25 gas guzzler charge. He also opposes the 50p tax on the highest earners. The Mayor wants to support the super-rich and leave the vulnerable to struggle.

"The most powerful Tory in Britain has let the cat out of the bag. We have this shambles where the rich are given this great city as their plaything while the rest of us pay the price."

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