Train Fare Hikes Halted as Prices Frozen for the First Time in 30 Years

Rail fares are set to be frozen for the first time in 30 years, the Government has announced.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to freeze fares in the upcoming Budget.
The Government said with transport costs making up 14% of household spending, the cost-cutting move would provide real savings and will also directly limit inflation by holding down a major component of everyday costs.
The freeze will apply to all regulated fares, including seasons, peak returns for commuters and off-peak returns between major cities, benefitting more than a billion passenger journeys across England
Mrs Reeves said: “Next week at the Budget I’ll set out the fair choices to deliver on the country’s priorities to cut NHS waiting lists, cut national debt and cut the cost of living.
“That’s why we’re choosing to freeze rail fares for the first time in 30 years, which will ease the pressure on household finances and make travelling to work, school or to visit friends and family that bit easier.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “We all want to see cheaper rail travel, so we’re freezing fares to help millions of passengers save money.
“Commuters on more expensive routes will save more than £300 per year, meaning they keep more of their hard-earned cash.
“This is part of our wider plans to rebuild Great British Railways the public can be proud of and rely on.”
The changes are part of the Government’s plans to rebuild a publicly owned Great British Railway.
The Railways Bill will create Great British Railways that will run and manage the tracks and trains used every day.