Lib Dems demand Rail Passenger’s Charter to guarantee wifi, clean loos and automatic compensation
EMBARGO: Immediate Release
As Britain’s broken railways continue to cause unnecessary hassle and stress for passengers, the Liberal Democrats introduce a Rail Passengers’ Charter Bill in Parliament today [Wednesday 21st January] to improve customer experience and enshrine value for money into law.
The party is calling for the Government to champion rail users and bring train services into the 21st century with a Rail Passengers’ Charter. Under their plans, a passenger guarantee of on board comfort and value for money would be enshrined in law.
The Liberal Democrats have consistently campaigned for the Government to put passengers first, after they have put up with years of skyrocketing fare increases for inadequate and unreliable rail services.
The Charter would guarantee customers adequate seating for journeys of longer than 30 minutes, on-board refreshments for journeys of longer than two hours, high-speed wifi, charging points, reliable phone signal, clean and accessible toilets and ample storage for bicycles, prams, pushchairs and luggage.
The Charter also calls for improved accessibility of trains and train stations for passengers with disabilities. It would commit Great British Railways (GBR) to ensure passengers receive automatic compensation for delays to make it easier for rail users to receive their entitlement - without having to fill out lengthy forms.
Ahead of introducing the Bill, Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson Olly Glover MP said:
“After years of passengers putting up with above inflation fare increases for poor rail services, it’s time to bring passenger experience into the 21st century.
“Customers deserve so much better than the sub-par service at great expense but both the Conservatives and Labour in government have failed to put passengers first.
“That’s why the Liberal Democrats are introducing the Rail Passengers’ Charter to enshrine in law improvements to customer experience and value for money so that our railways are something we can be proud of.”
ENDS
