A SOUTH west rail task force is to lobby the government for lower fares and better wi-fi on trains travelling from the region to London Paddington.
The move comes as work at Old Oak Common, linked to the HS2 scheme, will delay services between Devon and Cornwall and the capital on the Paddington line.
The potential delays could last seven years, according to MPs who debated the issue in parliament.
Andrea Davis, task force board member and Devon County Council’s cabinet member for transport, is due to meet rail minister Lord Hendy.
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She said she will raise the issue of fares and better internet connections.
She said: ‘I find the whole fare system completely opaque and have no idea how the algorithm works.
‘We all know it is expensive to use the trains and so I think it is a reasonable ask.’
Cllr Davis fears the ongoing disruption could ‘destroy confidence’ in public transport, and ensuring journeys are more productive for passengers is vital.
‘We can’t change the fact the Old Oak Common works are going ahead, but let’s make the journey more useful,’ she said.
She said: ‘We’ve essentially had a nationalised rail service since covid as the Department for Transport controls what happens, so he would just need to instruct the rail operator.
‘It would be pushing on an open door as I haven’t met a rail operating company yet that doesn’t want to do the best for its passengers.’
Cllr Davis stated she would also lobby to make sure the Exeter to Waterloo line is well-maintained to ensure avoidable issues are minimised.
‘We know this line has not infrequently had infrastructure issues, and so I intend to raise this with Lord Hendy to help ensure all maintenance that can be done, or that they know needs to be done, is done,’ she said.
Passengers were also encouraged to consider buying Devon and Cornwall railcards, which provide discounts on some journeys.