Commuters angered by fare increases (From Enfield Independent)

Commuters angered by fare increases

1:10pm Monday 5th January 2009

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ENFIELD commuters have voiced their annoyance over travel fare increases that came into force in the New Year.

A quick opinion poll at Enfield train station found that commuters were rattled by the changes which have seen fares increased by an average of six per cent.

A single bus fare paid for by an Oyster card has risen by 10p to £1, while a weekly London travelcard will go up by £2.20 to £36.80.

Some fares will be cut, such as a new off peak fare aimed towards encouraging Londoners and visitors to travel after 9.30am.

John Woodcock, 32, of Gatward Green, Edmonton, said: "It's ridiculous. It's just another excuse to extract money out of the taxpayer."

Teacher Chris Black, of Mahon Close, said: "Short trips I'm ok with but I wouldn't like it if I had to make longer journeys."

Shawn Newman, currently unemployed, said the changes were "diabolical".

Mr Newman, who has to catch the train from Enfield Town to get to a job centre, uses the service at least three times a week. He complained that no benefits or provisions had been made for his unemployment status.

Natianal Express, which serves Enfield Town rail station, indicated that the increases would be use to invest in a fleet of Class 315 electric trains, station improvements at locations including Cambridge, Colchester and Liverpool Street, and the start of a £2million scheme to extend the car park at Manningtree.

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