8 February 2011 – Last Friday, 4 February, Keith joined campaigners at Preston Park station to protest against rail fare increases and call on the Government to keep their promise to make rail fares fair.

The protest was part of the Fair Fares Now campaign which aims to harness the widespread anger felt by passengers to demand more affordable, straightforward train tickets that provide good value for money and encourage people to choose the train

The campaign, which was launched at Brighton station at the beginning of January by sustainable transport charity Campaign for Better Transport, is backed by actor and comedian Michael Palin CBE.

Paul Philo, one of those protesting, said: “There is a great deal of anger in the area among the many commuters who are residents about the well-over-inflation rises in season and other tickets. These rises will force more people into using their cars with subsequent increased emissions, pollution and road congestion.”

Lianna Etkind, another protester, said: “I travel from Brighton to London to work and my weekly ticket has risen by £5.30. This is a huge increase and is hardly likely to encourage people to choose public transport over the car.”

Keith Taylor, Green MEP for Brighton and the South East sits on the transport committee in the European parliament. Keith said: “I welcome this timely campaign which highlights the outrageous fare rises that have hit travellers right across the South East. In much of Europe train travel is a far cheaper and more pleasant experience for commuters. Our government should be investing in public transport to ensure that greener alternatives to the car become an affordable option for ordinary people.”

To join the campaign visit www.fairfaresnow.org.uk

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The Fair Fares Now campaign is calling for affordable prices, even for peak times and turn-up-and-go tickets; reliable services that aren’t overcrowded; and straightforward tickets that make train travel simple.

Campaign for Better Transport is the UK’s leading authority on sustainable transport. We champion transport solutions that improve people’s lives and reduce environmental damage. Our campaigns push innovative, practical policies at local and national levels. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).