He met with representatives from the 'Campaign for Better Transport' in order to call for a review of rail fares that looks at bringing down the cost, in order to make it easier for people to take the train instead of driving or flying.
At this event, Stephen remarked that, "the number of people taking the train has increased by over 40% in the last 10 years. However, we need to ensure that rail travel is affordable for everyone. I know that high train fares are a big issue for many people in Bristol West. Since 1997 train fares have gone up by 7% in real terms. Our fares are now the highest in Europe and passengers say fares are their number one concern. That's why I want to see a review of rail fares regulation that looks at bringing down the cost. It needs to be easier for people to take the train instead of driving or flying."
Cat Hobbs, public transport campaigner at the Campaign for Better Transport, said: 'We're pleased that Stephen Williams MP has joined the growing number of MPs who are standing up for passengers and saying that fares cannot keep rising above inflation."
Earlier in the year, Stephen Williams highlighted the inadequacies of Britain's public transport system to Gordon Brown during Prime Minister's questions in the House of Commons. He asked the Prime Minister:
"Bristol's economy and environment suffers from poor public transport. We have high bus fares from a monopoly provider and far too few passenger trains on our local rail network. Will the Prime Minister instruct the Secretary of State for Transport to expedite plans for the Greater Bristol area to be given an integrated transport authority so that service improvements can be brought about?"
The Prime Minister replied that he would look into the matter.
Stephen said: "I used this rare opportunity to question Gordon Brown to raise what I know is the top concern of many constituents. We will be unable to plan for better and cheaper public transport in Greater Bristol unless we are given similar powers as those enjoyed, for instance, by the Mayor of London. This is a major democratic deficit in our area."
"I know the Lib Dem administration at Bristol City Council is keen for these powers to be granted to Bristol and shared with the neighbouring unitary authorities. It is important to realise that most local bus and rail services begin or end outside the city boundary, which is why we need an authority to cover the whole travel-to-work area."
