Paying more for squash!

Jun 21 2005 By Ben Hurst, Travel Correspondent, Evening Mail

BIRMINGHAM'S train passengers face widespread overcrowding, higher fares and service cuts, warns Rail Future.

The pressure group has painted a grim picture in its official response to the Route Utilisation Study put forward by the Strategic Rail Authority.

The draft plan, currently at consultation stage, could see increased peak time fares, charging for station car parking, and various routes chopped, including Walsall to Wolverhampton.

Rail Future secretary Peter Hughes said: "It is unacceptable for the Midlands rail network to stagnate or contract when patronage is still growing.

"Scotland, South Wales and London are gaining multi-million pound investment in new rail services, and this region must insist on a real expansion."

Part of the Route Utilisation Study includes allowing much greater loads on Birmingham's trains - up to 125 per cent.

Mr Hughes added: "We must seek early investment track redoubling via Kenilworth and Droitwich, reopened lines for Frankley and Brownhills and new stations for Willenhall, Coventry Arena, Kingsbury, Castle Vale, Aldridge and Burntwood."

The SRA says it is willing to listen to all responses

.