A UNION has organised protests across the North to mark the axing of off-peak rail fares.
The action by the RMT union is part of an ongoing campaign to highlight what it claims will be cuts to jobs and services following the refranchising of the Northern and TransPennine Express networks.
The union will hand out postcards at stations across the North of England on Monday, September 8 - the day increased off-peak fares are introduced.
The cards ask the public to pressure their MP to sign an early day motion put forward by Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham, which raises concerns about the impact on jobs, fares and services of the refranchising exercise.
RMT claims the fare increases are a taste of what is to come under the new Northern and TransPennine Express franchises.
RMT acting general Secretary Mick Cash said: “The axing of off-peak fares is a savage kick in the teeth for people already struggling with the burden of low pay and austerity.
“Let’s not forget that the core of the Government’s future plans for Northern and TPE is to axe jobs, throw the guards off the trains and jack up fares while capacity to meet surging rail demand in the area is left to stagnate."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here