Ken Livingstone has today written to the Chief Executive of First Group plc after their First Capital Connect subsidiary introduced restrictions on cheap-day tickets on the Thameslink and Great Northern lines that it operates.
The company announced that from 11th June passengers will no longer be able to use off-peak tickets on any northbound train that departs from King’s Cross, Moorgate, King’s Cross Thameslink or St Pancras between 4.30pm and 7pm on weekdays.
A statement issued by the Mayor’s office says the move “will dramatically increase the cost to passengers without any improvements to the service” and claims some passengers “could face increases of 40 per cent.”
In his letter to Moir Lockhead, Chief Executive of First Group, the Mayor says “as it is expected that at least 50% of existing passengers using cheap day tickets will continue to travel at that time it is clear that this is just a cynical revenue raising exercise designed to maximise profits.”
