WIREDGOV

One in four issues reported to Citizens Advice about public transport are in London, new figures reveal as the capital’s commuters face their first journey under increased prices.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

“Travel costs are a real burden on stretched budgets and can be a barrier to working in London. Almost a quarter of the problems we deal with about public transport are in the capital.  People are struggling with rising costs and looking to find cheaper ways to travel to work and study.

“Transport bosses need to consider the squeeze on people’s finances and limit any further increases.  People are often frustrated that they’re paying more for a service but still experience problems.  If you experience delays or cancellations you can complain and may be able to get compensation.”

Between October 2012 and September 2013 Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales helped with 4,622 queries about public transport. In London alone bureaux dealt with 1,067 issues.

Travel costs in London increased on Sunday 19 January 2014.

This year Citizens Advice service celebrates its 75th anniversary.

Citizens Advice

Notes to editors

1. This year the Citizens Advice service celebrates its 75th anniversary. We’ve planned a year of activity running from January to December 2014.  Contact the press office to find out more.
2. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
3. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
4. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online at www.adviceguide.org.uk
5. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06 or 08454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
6. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 6.6 million problems from April 2012 to March 2013. For full 2012/2013 service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
7. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 22,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.