Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Cost of Rail Fares

10 October 2024 · 5 other contributors

Opened by Will Forster Lib Dem Woking

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Will Forster raised concerns about cost of rail fares in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Will Forster cited a 773 increase in season ticket costs from Woking to Waterloo since 2019, now at 4,516.
  • Forster noted a 10% rise in rush-hour cancellations last year compared to the previous year.
  • The Minister acknowledged concerns but highlighted the Government's commitment to reviewing the fare system and supporting pay-as-you-go ticketing.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Will Forster Lib Dem Woking

Will Forster addressed the issue of rising rail fares, citing an increase in season ticket costs from Woking to Waterloo by £773 since 2019, now standing at £4,516. He noted that passengers are struggling with cost-of-living issues and must often take on debt for train travel. Additionally, he highlighted service unreliability with a rise of over 10% in rush-hour cancellations last year compared to the previous year. Forster also mentioned safety concerns at West Byfleet station's car park and called for an immediate freeze on rail fares to save commuters money and improve services. He emphasised the need for a simplified fare structure and criticised the Government's failure to deliver affordable, safe, and reliable trains.

Other contributors (5)
  • Olly Glover Con Didcot and Wantage

    Glover supported Forster's call for fare freezes and wider service improvements. He highlighted long and expensive commutes in his constituency, noting that a season ticket costs £6,300 without any London travelcard addition.

  • Lee Dillon Con Thurrock

    Dillon raised concerns about the impact of peak-time restrictions on commuters' flexibility and cost. He mentioned constituents having to pay extra for peak-hour services or wait long periods for off-peak rates.

  • Luke Taylor Con Croydon North

    Taylor discussed poor rail services affecting his constituents, particularly in Worcester Park station and the need for infrastructure upgrades like dual-tracking on the Belmont line to improve accessibility and economic benefits.

  • Zöe Franklin Lib Dem Guildford

    Franklin echoed Forster's concerns about high train fares, unreliable services, and the impact on commuters' financial burdens. She urged the Minister to commit to freezing rail fares until service improvements are made.

  • Simon Lightwood Con Bury St Edmunds

    Lightwood congratulated Forster for securing the debate and emphasised the importance of railway reform, including public ownership to improve fare systems and passenger satisfaction. He mentioned ongoing reforms such as the Simpler Fares trial on LNER.

Government Response

Caroline Nokes

The Minister acknowledged concerns about rail fares and service reliability but emphasised that reform and public ownership are essential to address these issues. She highlighted the Government's commitment to reviewing the fare system, supporting pay-as-you-go ticketing in the south-east, simplifying long-distance fares, and evaluating LNER’s Simpler Fares trial tickets. The Minister also mentioned South Western Railway recording an 87% overall satisfaction rating in September this year. Caroline Nokes stated that affordability is a key objective and they aim to make prices affordable for both passengers and taxpayers.

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