Rail fares to be frozen in England subsequent 12 months | EUROtoday

Rail fares in England subsequent 12 months are to be frozen for the primary time in 30 years, the federal government has introduced.

The freeze till March 2027 will apply to regulated fares, which incorporates season tickets and off-peak returns.

The most up-to-date fare rise, in March 2025, was 4.6%.

Rail fares historically have gone up in January, primarily based on the July price of the retail worth index (RPI) + 1% – though this system has not at all times been adopted.

The announcement comes days earlier than the chancellor units out the federal government’s monetary plans within the Budget, amid a deal with the price of residing.

The authorities additionally mentioned the transfer is meant to “directly limit inflation” by holding down “a major component of everyday costs”.

Since 2021, the annual improve has are available March as an alternative of January.

A authorities supply acknowledged it was doable unregulated fares would nonetheless rise, however insisted they often adopted regulated fares.

Unregulated fares elevated by 5.5% within the 12 months to March 2025, 1.1% above regulated fares – with a complete improve in rail fares of 5.1% in that interval.

The Rail Delivery Group, a consultant physique made up of the UK’s rail operators, mentioned the freeze can be “good news for customers”.

“We want our railways to thrive, that’s why we’re committed to working with government to ensure upcoming railway reforms deliver real benefits for customers,” a spokesperson mentioned.

Since 1996, the federal government has regulated some prepare fares following the privatisation of British Rail.

The freeze marks the primary level since then that fares could have been frozen, though there have been durations the place worth will increase have been beneath RPI, and a dip in costs following the monetary crash in 2010.

About 45% of rail fares are regulated by the federal government in England, Wales and Scotland – however the freeze solely pertains to journey in England. The announcement additionally solely applies to providers run by England-based prepare working corporations.

Regulated fares embrace season tickets overlaying most commuter routes, some off-peak return tickets on long-distance journeys and versatile tickets for journey in and round main cities.

Train operators are free to set costs for unregulated fares, however they usually rise by comparable quantities.

The authorities estimates that the transfer will save commuters on dearer routes greater than £300.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves mentioned the freeze was being put in place to assist ease value of residing pressures, and make “travelling to work, school or to visit friends and family that bit easier”.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander mentioned it was a part of “wider plans to rebuild Great British Railways”.

Great British Railways is a public physique which is within the technique of being arrange, and is a part of the federal government’s plans to carry components of the railway system into public possession.

The authorities has mentioned it should take over the working and administration of the tracks and trains, “ending years of fragmentation, driving up standards for passengers, and making journey easier and better value for money”.

The authorities has mentioned a part of its plans for the brand new physique is to “gradually move away from annual blanket increases”.

Labour mentioned passengers had confronted “relentless” fare will increase yearly below the earlier Tory authorities.

However, shadow transport secretary Richard Holden mentioned: “In government, the Conservatives kept fares on the right track with below-inflation rises and consistently called for no further hikes to protect hard-working commuters.”