A left-wing group has called for ‘united action’ to improve the state of the nation’s rail system ahead of a meeting in Manchester tomorrow.
The International Socialist League (ISL), a small Trotskyist organisation founded in Britain in 1987, aims to decrease train fares, increase the quality and quantity of trains and carriage and renationalise the country’s rail service.
It comes as the ISL figures show rail fares have increased faster than average earnings.
A spokesperson for the ISL said: “Private train companies continue to make huge profits out of public subsidy and fares, while paying out handsome dividends to their shareholders and sacking train and station staff.
“Many people can no longer afford rail fares and many go on foot to the places they need.
“We invite the RMPT and all the trade unions, as well as the People’s Assembly to join this campaign, in a united action.”
The ISL added that the government gives nearly £1 for every £2 spent by passengers, a reason cited for growing public backing towards the re-nationalisation of railways.
Currently, 65% of the population supports re-nationalisation of the country’s rail system.
The RMT, Britain’s largest specialist transport union, said: “£1.2bn a year is squandered through the fragmentation, inefficiency and cash leaking out of the service in the form of profits and dividends as a result of rail privatisation.
“That’s enough to fund an 18% cut in fares.”
In the face of mounting pressure, the Labour party conference approved the re-nationalisation of railways, but leader Ed Milliband was quick to downplay such demands.
The meeting of the ISL, which remains heavily active in the North West, will take place at 7pm on Tuesday, December 3 on 6 Angel Street, Manchester.
Image courtesy Firing up the quattro, with thanks
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