A DEMAND that rail operators review the decision to introduce a minimum £10 fare for tickets bought with a network railway card was made by Hertfordshire County Council this week.

The minimum fare will increase the cost of leisure travel for residents, conflicting with the aim to encourage people to use public transport, according to the council.

Councillor Iris Tarry, executive member for the environment, said: "I am very disappointed at this decision.

"This radical action is not warranted and a more subtle change to the system would be more appropriate.

"We have asked the rail companies to consider ways in which they might lessen the effect of this change and are looking forward to a positive response.

"We are trying to get more people to travel by train yet these changes will do the exact opposite."

The Network Railcard was introduced in the mid 1980's to generate more off peak travel on south east England's commuter routes.

Passengers who hold the card receive one third off the cost of any ticket after the morning rush hour but the new minimum fare would mean a reduction on off-peak travel cards to London would no longer be available for most people.

Watford MP Claire Ward has launched a petition calling for the minimum charge to be lifted.

She said: "I think this is a very bad move on behalf of the train operators to increase fares and limit the use of the network card.

"It could also increase the number of people travelling by car."

To add your name to the petition, visit Miss Ward's office at 270 St Albans Road, Watford, or call 01923 213579.

July 17, 2002 14:00