Rail Passengers to Benefit from 2026 Fare Freeze in England
London, UK – Commuters and rail travelers in england will see fares frozen for the 2026 calendar year, the government announced today, offering a reprieve after years of rising costs. The move reverses planned increases and signals a shift in priorities for the Labor government, which inherited forecasts of continued fare hikes.
The freeze is expected to save typical commuters money, with those working a three-day week using flexi season tickets possibly saving £315 annually on routes like Milton Keynes to London, or £57 between Bradford and Leeds. The decision contrasts sharply with the previous 14 years under Conservative governments, during which rail fares steadily increased. A full-time commuter from Canterbury to London could have faced an annual season ticket cost of £8,929,a rise of over £400,had the freeze not been implemented.
The proclamation has been welcomed by transport advocates who have long argued for greater affordability on the railways. Ben Plowden, chief executive of Campaign for Better Transport, stated, “We know that cost is the number one concern for people wanting to travel by train. This will enable more people to choose rail, reducing traffic on our roads, benefiting the economy, helping the surroundings. This is a positive sign that affordability for passengers is being given the high priority it deserves.”
Aslef, the train drivers’ trade union, also praised the decision. Outgoing general secretary mick Whelan said, “we are pleased that after 14 years of the Tories pricing people off our railways, this Labour government is helping people to commute to work and travel for pleasure.”
The fare freeze comes after documents accompanying last year’s budget revealed plans for a 4.6% increase in fares in march 2024 – 1% above the Retail prices Index (RPI). Prior to that, fares rose by 5.9% and 4.9% under the Conservative government, though these were below RPI as inflation surged.
Decisions regarding fares in Scotland and Wales are made by their respective devolved governments and have yet to be announced.
