That this House expresses concern over recent commercial decisions made by newly nationalised rail operators which increase prices for commuters; regrets the decision to remove popular off-peak advance booking discounts on the London, Tilbury, and Southend Line, and the likely reduction in passengers this change will cause; calls for stronger enforcement on the issue of passengers avoiding payment of fares on nationalised lines; and urges the government to ensure that nationalised rail operators take measures to entice an increase in passenger numbers during off-peak hours in order to both enhance the commercial viability of the business whilst also offering a lower-cost service which benefits more economically disadvantaged constituents such as children or pensioners on a fixed income.
