Today Portsmouth Labour and City MP Stephen Morgan were out and about at city train stations highlighting the government’s failures on rail

Labour is campaigning for the entire network to be brought back into public ownership as franchises expire, so that railways are run in the interests of passengers and taxpayers not private profit. The plan is backed by public opinion.

Since 2010 regulated rail fares have risen by 32% on average, three times faster than average median wage growth. Whilst the latest statistics show the biggest drop in passenger numbers in 25 years, last month it was announced that regulated fares would be going up yet again by a further 3.2% in January.

Joining volunteers and campaigners was city MP Stephen Morgan, who has been pushing for improvements to local rail services and stations.

Stephen Morgan MP said:

“Following the botched introduction of new timetables across the network in May which led to severe delays, alterations and cancellations, and mayhem for thousands of passengers across the country, I want to make sure commuters and rail users here in Portsmouth are given the best possible service from current rail operators.

 This Autumn millions of passengers face further overcrowding, delays and cancellations. The Government simply failing to stand up for all those who use our rail”.

Responding to Labour’s plan, the Portsmouth MP added:

“Passengers, our economy and our environment need affordable fares and reliable services which Tory policy is failing to deliver.

 Labour has a plan which will cap fares, upgrade and expand the network and deliver better, more reliable services. That’s what the people of Portsmouth deserve”.

The city MP has co-founded a cross-party group in Parliament to improve local rail services and meets with operators regularly. Last month he met with bosses to call for improvements to city train stations which are looking tired and in need of investment.

You can get on board with Labour’s plan for rail change by visiting labour.org.uk/allchangeplease