Connex cuts fares as apology to passengers

3:25pm Wednesday 2nd January 2002

COMMUTERS are being wooed back on to Connex's trains with the promise of a drop in fares.

The rail company, which runs services through south east London and Kent, said while most operators are putting up prices, it is slashing them as "compensation" for poor performance.

From this week, tens of thousands of peak-time passengers will benefit from some of the lowest fares in a decade, Connex claims.

Speaking after the French-owned rail company was slapped with a £10.5m fine for sub-standard performance, chief executive Olivier Brousse said the reduction was "good news".

He added: "Next year will see the introduction of new trains to improve comfort and reliability which will help to provide a more appealing product to attract more passengers."

Connex has apologised for its performance in recent months, most notably late trains.

A statement on its website states the fare drop should "compensate passengers for poor performance, owing to continuing difficulties with the new Class 375 trains, seasonal problems of slippery rails and difficult weather conditions".

On average, commuters on Kent Link services will pay seven per cent less for their ticket, while Kent Coast passengers will pay one-and-a-half per cent less.