Political Opinion: Fare freeze relief
For the first time in 30 years commuters will not face a rail fare price hike thanks to the Labour Government’s decision to freeze train fares next year.
The freeze means that passengers using season tickets, day singles and returns will not pay a penny more in 2025, offering welcome relief after years of annual rises.
Under the previous Conservative Government, fares rose by a shocking 60% between 2010 and 2024.
An annual season ticket from Leighton Buzzard to Euston increased by over £2,000.
Passengers make over 450,000 journeys between Leighton Buzzard and Euston each year. There are also 420,000 journeys from Leagrave to London annually.
Alex Mayer MP said: “For many people catching the train is part of their everyday routine. It used to be an annual ritual for people like me to stand outside stations as the price went up, miserable at those eye-watering Tory fare hikes. No wonder commuters felt like they were being taken for a ride. But thanks to a Labour Government, next year passengers won’t pay a penny more on season tickets, day singles, or returns. I know it’s not earth-shattering news, but it is extra money in the pockets of commuters.”
The wider plans for the railways include creating a new publicly owned company, Great British Railways, to run and manage the network. West Midlands Railway is due to pass into public hands in February 2026.