RAIL fares are going up yet again in January 2017. Passengers are now contributing about 70% of industry funding. It’s a double whammy. As taxpayers, we continue to fund the vast majority of investment in our railways.

Meanwhile, private train companies are paying out larger dividends to shareholders (a 21% increase in 2014-15 compared to the previous year). Network Rail’s income from these companies fell by around £500m in 2014-15 and by cutting staff, companies are saving even more money. Women passengers, older passengers, and passengers with disabilities have raised concerns about cuts to staffing and services, such as ticket office closures and more driver only trains and they have supported our calls for proper staffing.

We want a railway that is safe, inclusive and accessible for all. Are you tired of paying extortionate rail fares? Tired of delayed or cancelled trains? Tired of the overcrowding and not being able to get help when you need it? – while private train companies make bigger and bigger profits?

Then please join the national day of action in support of public ownership, affordable fares and for a properly staffed railway service on Tuesday, January 3 2017.

Smithills Branch Labour Party and other Labour activists will be at Bolton Rail Station with action cards to distribute to passengers, asking them to write to their MPs. We will be at the station from 7am to around 9,30am and from 4pm to around 6.30pm.

Come and join us - or if you are able to organise an action at another station then, please contact Action for Rail at actionforrail@tuc.org.uk with details of the station name, time of action and a contact email. Please provide your name, address for delivery, and the quantity of cards you want. Please note that the deadline for ordering action cards is December 9.

Ian Coulthard

Chair

Smithills Ward Labour Party

St. George's Road

Bolton.