Rail fares set to rise and why I’m calling for a freeze

Today it has been confirmed that rail fares are set to rise yet again, with commuters between Newbury and London facing a huge increase in their annual season ticket.

The current cost of a Newbury–London annual season ticket is £6,356. Under the Government’s policy of linking fare rises to July’s Retail Price Index (RPI), prices are forecast to increase by 5.8% next year. This would see tickets rise to £6,725 which is an increase of almost £370 a year.

At a time when people are already struggling with the cost of living, this rise is completely unacceptable. Families across West Berkshire are facing higher food bills, soaring energy costs, and rising rents and mortgages. Adding hundreds of pounds more to the cost of simply getting to work is a slap in the face.

I know from speaking with many commuters locally just how frustrated they are. Not only are they paying thousands each year, but they’re also contending with unreliable services, delays, and cancellations. People feel they’re being asked to pay more for less and I agree with them.

That’s why I’m calling for a rail fare freeze. Instead of piling extra costs on commuters, the Government should be focused on making services more reliable, encouraging more people back onto trains, and giving passengers a fair deal.

What started as chaos under the Conservatives has turned into complacency under Labour and commuters in Newbury and across West Berkshire deserve better.

The Liberal Democrats will keep fighting for fairer fares, better services, and a transport system that works for the people who rely on it every day.