Forcing people to drive

The Government is driving us mad. The increased cost of season tickets from January 2010 will force many commuters to drive to work (Rail users to face fare rise in 2010, Evening Post, November 17). This will give drivers hours to ponder the wanton waste of our suburban rail network.

Recently I spoke to a passenger as he got off the train at Keynsham Station. He commutes from Cardiff and said the proposed £800 increase in his season ticket would force him to drive to work next year.

Passenger numbers on trains in the greater Bristol area have increased substantially in recent years. The Government seems intent on curbing this.

Bristol City Council investment in a more frequent service on the Severn Beach line has resulted in a 40 per cent passenger increase since May 2008.

Double-tracking the line from Clifton Down to Montpelier would allow trains to pass and create a 30-minute service to stations between Bristol Temple Meads and Avonmouth. To make this possible, FOSBR (Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways) is conducting a postcard campaign in response to Network Rail's consultation.

In order to deal with traffic problems and our environmental commitments, we need pressure to cut train fares and increase the frequency of rail services.

Julie Boston,

Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways.