Crispin Blunt MP has written to the Rail Minister demanding proper consideration of the case for introducing Oyster Zone 6 to Reigate, Redhill, Merstham, Earlswood and Salfords stations.
Crispin Blunt and members of the Reigate and Redhill Rail Users Association met with the Minister, Claire Perry MP, on 22nd October to highlight the higher fares paid by local commuters and to set out the case for extending Transport for London zonal fares.
Following the meeting, Claire Perry has written to Steve Trigg, Chairman of the Rail Users Association. The letter makes no commitment to introducing Zone 6, nor to any consideration of it, nor to taking any steps to simplify or reduce fares.
Crispin Blunt said:
“I am deeply disappointed that the Minister’s letter to Steve Trigg does not make any decision on extending Oyster Zone 6. We made a strong case for this to the Minister and I firmly believe that it deserves serious consideration by the Department for Transport. In fact, lower and simpler fares would increase usage and probably pay for the measure.
“I am writing to Claire Perry to demand that she looks at the business case. Ministers cannot simply turn a blind eye to the plight of local commuters who are paying higher fares than commuters at comparable stations in the region and who have suffered service reductions.”