Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

March 2021 Rail Fares Increase

Thursday 28 January 2021 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Rail passengers will face a 2.6% fare increase in March 2021, the lowest in four years.
  • The Department is collaborating closely with industry on flexible ticketing options but is cautious about sending mixed messages at this time.
  • The Minister argues that nationalising rail services would lead to higher fare increases than the current 2.6% rise.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kate Osamor Labour (Co-op) Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Transport
Context

Passenger numbers have dropped due to the pandemic, leading concerns about fare increases.

Question

I am concerned that rail passengers will face a 2.6% fare increase in March 2021. This is despite passenger numbers being significantly reduced during lockdowns and fares not having risen by more than this amount since 2017. What assessment has the government made of the potential effect on passenger numbers?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

This is the lowest fare rise in four years. Passengers are advised to reduce journeys as much as possible, and usage has fallen dramatically during the lockdowns. Passenger behaviours in the future are unbelievably uncertain, but a small fare rise will help to ensure that taxpayers are not unfairly overburdened for keeping vital rail services running.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific assessment of potential impact on passenger numbers

How: Passenger Behaviours In The Future Are Unbelievably Uncertain

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Q2 Kate Osborne Lab Jarrow and Gateshead East
Transport
Context

Commuters now work from home, prompting interest in flexible rail ticketing options.

Question

Millions of commuters are now working from home. The RMT union has suggested that pro-rating season tickets to reflect fewer days worked could offer better value and encourage passengers back to railways when safe. What plans does the Department have with industry for introducing such flexible ticketing options, and when might these be implemented?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

We are working closely with industry on what we can do with flexible ticketing going forward. We are wary of sending mixed messages at this time, but I promise that we are collaborating closely with the industry and expect to make announcements when appropriate.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific timeline or detailed plan for implementation

How: Wary Of Sending Mixed Messages, Expect To Make Announcements

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Q3 Kate Osamor Labour (Co-op) Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Transport
Context

Concerns about fare increases leading to a discussion on rail ownership.

Question

Train commuters from Edmonton Green to London Liverpool Street face a £1,436 fare in March 2021. Labour argues public ownership would provide better value for taxpayers and passengers. Does the Minister agree that the Government should stop supporting private companies' profits and nationalise rail services?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

No. Public ownership of railways would result in much higher fare increases than those outlined.

Answered
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Q4 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Economy Transport Climate
Context

Fare increases amid the pandemic and recession raise questions about financial fairness.

Question

In a pandemic and recession, with people losing jobs and wages cut, rail fares are set to increase. After record low passenger numbers, increasing ticket prices does not make sense for economic recovery or environmental benefits. Can the Minister explain why the Government continues to support guaranteed profits for private train companies? Is it fair that passengers will pay more to travel?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

Under the last Labour Government, there were significant fare rises before 2010. The government has temporarily frozen fares in January and February to allow for travel planning. Various railcards and discounts have been introduced. Fares will increase at a rate of just 2.6% this year, which is the lowest actual rate in four years. While we need eventually to encourage people back onto railways for decarbonisation and levelling up efforts, taxpayers also need to be reimbursed after supporting railways with £10.1 billion.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not fully address the fairness of fare increases or rationale behind continuing guaranteed profits

How: Wary Of Sending Mixed Messages

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