Bruce slams new seat levy on North east trains

10.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 13th May 2009

Bruce described the announcement by National Express as "staggering"

Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce is challenging National Express rail on their plans to levy a £5 charge (return) for seat reservations on the East Coast Mainline (which has services operating from Aberdeen and through Edinburgh).

The MP said:

"This announcement of a levy on standard class seat reservations by National Express is staggering. I have repeatedly pointed out how expensive and confusing booking tickets for long distance rail travel in the UK already is.

"How can National Express honestly expect elderly people or people with small children to pay extra again or face standing for a journey which can last over 7 hours."

He added:

"I find it totally disingenuous for the company to say that asking people to pay for seat reservations will ensure more empty seats.

"A seat is either empty or it isn't once the train leaves the station.

"I intend to take the matter up with National Express' Chief Executive."

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Previous news story: Bruce launches School Bus safety Bill in Parliament (Wed 13th May 2009).
Next news story: Bruce encouraged by Inverurie mill site plans (Thu 14th May 2009).

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