Cost of Rail Fares

In an adjournment debate in the House of Commons, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Woking, Mr Will Forster, raised the deeply concerning issue of rising rail fares and their impact on his constituents. He highlighted that the cost of a season ticket from Woking to Waterloo has increased by £773 since 2019, now standing at an astonishing £4,516. Forster argued that these eye-watering fare rises are not only unfair but also counterproductive, as they make public transport an unaffordable luxury for many, risking debt to earn a living. Forster also addressed the issue of deteriorating rail services, citing a 10% rise in rush-hour train cancellations last year, the worst record since 2019. He shared the experiences of his constituents, such as Joanna from West Byfleet, who faced unsafe conditions at the local station's car park, and Katie, who struggled with the lack of fast trains from Woking to Clapham Junction during peak hours. In response, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Simon Lightwood, acknowledged the Government's commitment to reforming the rail network and delivering a more affordable and reliable service for passengers. Lightwood highlighted the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill, which could potentially save taxpayers up to £150 million annually in fees once all franchises are in public ownership. Lightwood also discussed the Government's plans to simplify the fares system and introduce more flexible ticketing options, such as the Simpler Fares trial on LNER services. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that rail fares are kept at an affordable level that works for both passengers and taxpayers. Other Liberal Democrat MPs, such as Olly Glover (Didcot and Wantage), Lee Dillon (Newbury), Luke Taylor (Sutton and Cheam), Zöe Franklin (Guildford), and Victoria Collins (Harpenden and Berkhamsted), also shared the concerns of their constituents regarding the high cost of rail travel and the need for improved services. They called for a freeze on rail fares and urged the Government to address the complex and confusing ticketing system. Overall, the debate highlighted the widespread frustration among commuters across the country regarding the rising cost of rail travel and the deteriorating quality of services, with the MPs calling for immediate action and long-term reform to ensure a fair and affordable public transport system.