"Northern Rail rip-off is a step too far" – Andy Kelly
Councillor Andy Kelly has described the latest Northern Rail fare increase as '...a step too far." Northern Rail will be increasing many of their fares by nearly 10% on May 21st. This is the THIRD time in just NINE months that they have increased unregulated fares. Off-peak return fares from Rochdale, Littleborough and Smithy Bridge to Manchester are set to go up to nearly £6. Councillor Andy Kelly said: "This is a disgrace and I will be asking Transport for Greater Manchester to take this up as a priority. I pressed Northern Rail when they increased their fares in January for the second time in a few short months. They refused to commit to freezing fares and I now know why. "This fare increase will affect the poorest. Many commuters tell me that they have changed their shift patterns to take advantage of 'off-peak' discounts. To increase fares once is understandable, twice is bad - three times is an absolute disgrace. The great rail rip off is something that needs addressing urgently." Andy, the Liberal Demo
