The government has announced a freeze on train fares for the first time in 30 years, potentially saving passengers up to £300 a year. The move, part of plans to establish a publicly owned Great British Railways, will apply to all regulated fares in England, including season tickets, peak returns, and off-peak returns between major cities.
According to ministers, a typical commuter travelling from Milton Keynes to London three days a week on a flexi-season ticket could save £315 annually. Similarly, a journey from Woking to London would see savings of £173, and from Bradford to Leeds, £57. The freeze is expected to benefit over a billion passenger journeys.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated: 'Next week at the Budget I'll set out the fair choices to deliver on the country's priorities... 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.' Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander added that the freeze would help millions of passengers save money as part of wider plans to rebuild Great British Railways.
The announcement has been welcomed by rail unions and passenger groups. Mick Whelan of Aslef said the freeze would help people afford to commute and travel, while Alex Robertson of Transport Focus called it 'extremely welcome news' for passengers who prioritise value for money. The government also plans to introduce digital ticketing, tap-in-tap-out options, and improved Wi-Fi as part of the railway reforms.
