Today I had a pleasant day out with my daughter in Carlisle, sampling the delights of the direct service to and from Morpeth. But on the way I got a call from ITV Tyne Tees News who wanted to interview me about next January’s fares increases based on the recently published inflation figures. So I did the interview outside Carlisle station, commenting that rail fares increases had a disproportionate affect in the North, where salaries are on average significantly lower, and for those on the minimum wage or the dreaded zero-hour contracts, the high cost of getting to work was pulling against the objective of the government’s benefit reforms designed to “make work pay” in all cases. Finally I pointed out that Morpeth and Cramlington passengers must also factor in the recently introduced car parking charges. The interview was broadcast that evening at 6 pm and repeated at 10:30.
