Government Announces First Rail Fare Freeze in Three Decades

Rail passengers in England will see their fares frozen next year, marking the first halt to increases in 30 years.

Ministers said the move will reduce the cost of commuting and long-distance travel for millions of people, with some passengers set to save more than £300 annually.

The freeze applies to all regulated fares – including season tickets, peak-time commuter returns and off-peak intercity journeys – and covers services run by English train operators. According to the government, more than a billion passenger journeys will benefit.

A Key Step in Rebuilding Great British Railways

The fare freeze forms part of the government’s wider plans to re-establish a publicly owned Great British Railways, with a focus on modernising the customer experience through digital ticketing, tap-in/tap-out systems and improved on-train connectivity such as upgraded Wi-Fi.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the policy reflects the government’s commitment to easing living costs while delivering on national priorities.

“Next week’s Budget will be about making fair choices for the country,” she said. “Freezing rail fares for the first time in 30 years will help with day-to-day costs and make travelling to work, school, or to see loved ones that little bit easier.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander added that cheaper travel is central to encouraging more people back onto the railway. “Millions of passengers will feel the benefit of this freeze,” she said. “On the most expensive routes, commuters could keep more than £300 a year in their pockets.”

How Much Will Commuters Save?

Ministers highlighted example savings for part-time commuters using flexi-season tickets three days a week:

• Milton Keynes – London: £315 a year

• Woking – London: £173 a year

• Bradford – Leeds: £57 a year

  
  

Widespread Support from Unions and Passenger Groups

The announcement prompted strong backing from across the rail sector.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of train drivers’ union Aslef, said the freeze ends “years of pricing people off the railway” and will help both commuters and leisure travellers. He emphasised the environmental advantages of shifting more journeys onto rail.

Passenger watchdog Transport Focus also welcomed the move. Chief executive Alex Robertson said passengers consistently rank value for money alongside punctuality as their top priorities. “Freezing fares will make rail a more appealing choice for regular users and newcomers alike,” he said.

The RMT union described the freeze as “a welcome first step” toward a more affordable railway. General secretary Eddie Dempsey argued that lower fares, combined with well-staffed stations and ticket offices, are essential for increasing public transport use and supporting local economies.

From the TUC, general secretary Paul Nowak said the decision demonstrates a decisive shift away from the legacy of privatisation. “For too long people paid high fares for an unreliable service,” he said. “This government is starting to put passengers ahead of profit.”

Train operators also gave the policy their backing. A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group said the freeze is positive news at a time when passenger numbers continue to grow. “We’re committed to working with government to ensure reforms deliver genuine improvements for customers,” they added.