Rail fares in the UK will rise this year, the Government has announced. Though the government capped the planned increase, the cost of tickets is still expected to rise faster than inflation.
In August, the government said it would not use the RPI reading of 9%, which would have locked in steep fare increases even as inflation slows in the rest of the economy.
Labour described the increase in fares as a “brutal bumper rise” but the government argues that the price rise is necessary to make up for reduced passenger numbers after the pandemic.
Mark Harper, the transport secretary, said: “Having met our target of halving inflation across the economy, this is a significant intervention by the government to cap the increase in rail fares below last year’s rise.
“Changed working patterns after the pandemic means that our railways are still losing money and require significant subsidies, so this rise strikes a balance to keep our railways running, while not overburdening passengers.”
Meanwhile, in London, Sadiq Khan has announced a freeze on most bus and Tube fares.
The mayor confirmed that pay-as-you-go fares – which account for about 80 per cent of Tube journeys and 74 per cent of bus journeys – would remain unchanged until March 2025.
Mr Khan, who froze pay-as-you-go fares in his first mayoral term, said: “The cost-of-living crisis continues to hit Londoners hard. That’s why I’ve decided to step in again to freeze all TfL fares.
“Not only will this put money back in people’s pockets, making transport more affordable for millions of Londoners, but will encourage people back onto our public transport network.
“While people across the country face another hike in their rail fares, I simply wasn’t prepared to stand by and see TfL customers face a similar hike.”
When are UK train fares rising?
Rail fares in England will rise on Sunday, March 3.
How much by?
Fares will rise by 4.9%.
Are fares increasing in London?
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Fares will be frozen in London. The Mayor has confirmed they will remain unchanged until March next year. This means a London bus fare will remain at £1.75 while a single adult zones 1-3 Tube fare will remain at £3.70 at peak times and £3 off-peak and at weekends.
